CN116687173A - Retail commodity tray - Google Patents

Abstract

A retail merchandise tray assembly is provided having a frame to which a front flap hinge is mounted in a first angular position, the front flap hinge being mountable on or removable from the frame in a second angular position, preventing removal of the front flap hinge from the frame.

Description

Retail Merchandise Trays

Cross references to related patent applications

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/502,845, filed October 15, 2021, which is currently pending, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/154,299, filed January 21, 2021 Continuation application, U.S. Patent Application No. 17/154,299, now U.S. Patent No. 11,166,571, issued November 9, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/964,476, filed January 22, 2020, which All teachings and disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

field of invention

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

Background of the invention

Retail merchandise displays are well known in the art. At one point such displays were ego-oriented pusher systems. Traditional pusher systems consist of one or more pusher paddles or pusher bodies that follow corresponding elongated tracks. A travel spring is connected between the pusher body and the leading edge of the track. The spring serves to bias the pusher body forwardly along the track towards its leading edge.

The user can retract the pusher body from the front edge of the track and position items of retail merchandise in a linear row on top of the track and between the front edge of the track and the pusher body provided by a spring and exerting a push force The biasing force on the body of the device is used to bias the linear row of retail items forward for eventual "front display" of the items.

That is, when a customer removes the frontmost item from a linear row of merchandise, the pusher body will be pulled forward by the spring to index the row of merchandise forward so that the next merchandise in the row is Aesthetically pleasing positioning near the leading edge of the track This automatic front display eliminates the necessity for retail store employees to manually front merchandise, ultimately reducing labor costs for retailers.

The pusher system described above has been used in various retail display environments. One example is a retail shelf. Typically, multiple pusher bodies and their corresponding tracks are arranged in a side-by-side manner along the shelf. Each pusher body and its corresponding track are separated by a divider, This familiar configuration can be found in many retail stores that sell hygiene products, such as deodorants, to hold multiple generally in-line merchandise running from the front to the back of the shelves.

In another configuration, the pusher system can be embodied as stand-alone pusher trays. These trays can include tools for mounting the trays cantilevered from another structure, such as a pole. These trays can also be located directly on retail shelves. Additionally, these trays may include adjustable side fences to accommodate merchandise of varying widths. Examples of these trays are readily seen in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,254,049, 9,241,583, 8,720,702, each of which is incorporated by reference Incorporated into this article as a whole.

Contents of the invention

The present invention relates to improvements in retail merchandise tray assemblies, such as pusher trays. These and other advantages of the present invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. It should be noted that certain features will apply to applications that do not include Pusher retail merchandise tray assembly.

In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided. The tray assembly includes a wire support structure, a front flap hinge, a front flap, and a biasing member. The wire support structure includes at least one longitudinal member and at least one transverse member along a first longitudinal axis between a first end and Extending between the second ends, the at least one cross member is attached to the at least one longitudinal member and extends substantially perpendicular to the at least one longitudinal member and the first longitudinal axis. A first front flap hinge is rotatably mounted on the at least one cross member. for rotating the front flap about the at least one cross member between a first angular position and a second angular position mounted to the front flap hinge for cooperating with the front flap hinge about the at least one cross member in the first and second angular positions In the first angular position, the front flap is in an upright orientation relative to the wire support structure In the second angular position, the front flap is in an oblique orientation relative to the wire support structure A biasing member hinges the front flap from The second angular position is biased toward the first angular position.

In one embodiment, the wire support structure defines a substantially planar product support plane. The front flap has a front surface that is larger than the front surface of the front flap when the flap hinge is in the second angular position. Being more parallel to the flat product support plane when in the first corner position, this allows for improved loading of the tray assembly of products when the front flap hinge is in the second corner position.

In one embodiment, the biasing member is a torsion spring extending angularly about at least one cross member.

In one embodiment, the front flap is releasably mounted to the front flap hinge such that the front flap is removable from the front flap hinge without removing the front flap hinge from at least one cross member of the wire support structure.

In one embodiment, the front fence includes a mounting slot. The front fence hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin slidably received in the mounting groove for releasably mounting the front fence to the front fence. Hinge.

In one embodiment, the front flap includes a flexible mounting clip extending from a first end attached to the front flap and a free end when the mounting pin is received in the mounting slot to secure the front flap to the front flap hinge , the free end of the flexible mounting clip is biased into the at least one cross member.

In one embodiment, the flexible mounting clip is resiliently bendable such that the free end disengages from the at least one cross member to remove the front flap from the front flap hinge.

In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes at least one pair of opposing load carrying members. The wire support structure is mounted to a pair of opposing load carrying members. The front flap hinge includes a rotation limiting abutment that engages at least one of the opposing load carrying members or Engagement of the wire support structure biasing member and the rotation limiting abutment with at least one of the opposing load carrying member or the wire support structure secures the front flap hinge in the first angular position. The biasing member biases the front flap hinge. into at least one of the opposing load carrying member or wire support structure.

In one embodiment, the first end of the torsion spring is engaged with at least one cross member such that the first end cannot rotate about the at least one cross member. The second end of the torsion spring is hinged with the front fence such that it is hinged with the front fence rotate together about at least one cross member.

In one embodiment, at least one of the mounting slot and the mounting pin is tapered such that increased insertion of the pin into the mounting slot increases the frictional engagement between the mounting slot and the mounting pin.

In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes a second front flap hinge rotatably mounted to the wire support structure. The first and second front flap hinges rotate about a common axis of rotation. The first and second front flap hinges rotate along The axes are spaced laterally from the axis of rotation and generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the first front flap hinge is mounted adjacent to the first end of the at least one longitudinal member. When the first front flap hinge is rotated from the first angular position to the second angular position, the top of the front flap faces the at least one The second end of the longitudinal member rotates.

Additionally, when the front flap hinge is rotated from the first angular position to the second angular position, the top portion is rotated toward the wire support structure.

In another embodiment, a method of loading a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided. The method includes pivoting a front flap of a retail merchandise tray assembly between a first orientation and a second orientation. The retail merchandise tray assembly includes a wire. A support structure comprising at least one longitudinal member extending along a first longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end and at least one longitudinal member attached to the at least one longitudinal member and extending generally perpendicular to the at least one longitudinal member A cross member. The retail merchandise tray assembly also includes a first front flap hinge rotatably mounted on the at least one cross member for opening about the at least one cross member in a first orientation corresponding to the front flap. Rotating the retail merchandise tray assembly between a first angular position and a second angular position corresponding to a second orientation of the front flap also includes a biasing member acting on the first front flap hinge. The front flap is mounted to the front flap hinge. to rotate about the at least one cross member with the front flap hinge between first and second angular positions in the first angular position, the front flap is upward relative to the wire support structure as compared to when in the second angular position Extending a Greater Range The method also includes biasing the front flap hinge from the first angular position toward the first angular position such that the front flap is biased toward the first orientation.

In one approach, pivoting the front flap transitions the front flap from a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the top surface defined by the wire support structure to a substantially parallel orientation relative to the top surface defined by the wire support structure

Substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular should be less than or equal to plus or minus fifteen degrees.

In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided that includes a merchandise support frame, dividers, longitudinal divider supports, and resilient friction members. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end and has an opposite second end. A divider bracket extending longitudinally on one and a second side is slidably mounted to the merchandise support frame for adjusting the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame. A resilient friction member is mounted to the merchandise support frame and engages the divider bracket. The divider bracket is slidable relative to the elastic friction member when adjusting the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame.

In one embodiment, the elastic friction member is an O-ring and the separator support comprises a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod. The inner diameter of the O-ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical rod such that insertion of the cylindrical rod into the O-ring causes the O-ring to pull. extended to provide a frictional engagement between the O-ring and the cylindrical rod.

In one embodiment, the merchandise support frame includes a wire support structure defining a product support surface. The merchandise support frame includes a pair of opposing spaced apart load carrying members. The wire support structure is operably mounted to the load carrying member. Spacers are inserted into the An elastic friction member between the pair of load bearing members is mounted to the spacer.

In one embodiment, the divider bracket extends through the spacer.

In one embodiment, the elastic friction member is an O-ring. The divider support includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod. The inner diameter of the O-ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical rod such that insertion of the cylindrical rod into the O-ring causes the O-ring to stretch to provide a frictional engagement between the O-ring and the cylindrical rod.

In one embodiment, the spacer defines a cylindrical tube. The O-ring is aligned with the cylindrical tube and the cylindrical rod slides within the cylindrical tube.

In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided that includes a merchandise support frame, a divider, a sign adapter, and a sign merchandise support frame extending between a first end and a second end and having opposing first sides and the second side. The divider is adjustably mounted to the merchandise support frame for adjusting the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame. When the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame is adjusted, the sign adapter is mounted to Dividers and moving with dividers Signs are attached to sign adapters.

In one embodiment, the flag adapter is attached to the divider in at least two attachment positions to prevent rotation of the flag adapter relative to the divider.

In one embodiment, the divider bracket adjustably attaches the divider to the merchandise support frame. The marker adapter is attached to the divider bracket providing one of at least two attachment locations.

In one embodiment, the logo adapter includes a c-shaped snap connector that snap engages with the merchandise support frame.

In one embodiment, the marker adapter is attached to the divider, with the resilient snaps extending into holes in the divider, providing a second of at least two attachment locations.

In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes a second divider adjustably mounted to the merchandise support frame. The second divider is adjustably positioned relative to a second side of the merchandise support frame. The merchandise support frame is inserted between the first and second sides of the merchandise support frame. Between the second dividers the second divider bracket extends between opposite first and second ends The second divider bracket adjustably attaches the second divider to the merchandise support frame The second divider is attached to The first end marker adapter of the second divider holder includes a cavity that receives the second end of the second divider holder when the second divider is positioned in the closest proximal position relative to the second side.

In one embodiment, the marker adapter includes marker attachment means comprising first and second spaced apart side walls defining a channel therebetween. The first and second side walls are adjacent The sides adjacent to each other attach markers at least partially captured within the channel and between the first and second side walls.

In one embodiment, the first sidewall includes a nib extending from an inner surface thereof toward the second sidewall.

In one embodiment, the first side wall includes a raised portion extending from an inner surface thereof and the second side wall includes a cavity in the inner surface thereof. When the first and second side walls are in a relaxed state, the raised portion extends. into the cavity of the second side wall.

In one embodiment, the logo has a protrusion receiving area that engages the protrusion when the logo is positioned within the channel defined by the first and second side walls.

In one embodiment, the channel is closed only at the bottom of the channel where the first side wall and the second side wall are attached to each other, so that the channel is open at its opposite ends and between the open opposite ends One side of the extension is open.

In one embodiment, a method of installing a sign in a retail merchandise tray assembly includes providing a retail merchandise tray assembly including a first end extending between a first end and a second end and having opposing first sides and a second end. The two-sided merchandise support frame tray assembly includes a divider adjustably mounted to the merchandise support frame for adjusting the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame. The tray assembly includes a logo adapter mounted to The divider is and is movable with the divider when a position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame is adjusted. The method includes attaching a sign to a sign adapter bracket.

In one embodiment, the method includes adjusting the position of the sign relative to the merchandise support frame by adjusting the position of the divider relative to the merchandise support frame.

In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly includes a merchandise support frame, a divider, and a longitudinally extending divider holder. The merchandise support frame extends between first and second ends and has opposing first and second sides. The side dividers include a divider body and mounts. A longitudinally extending divider bracket is press-fit engaged within the mount of the divider. The divider bracket is slidably mounted to the merchandise support frame for adjusting the position of the divider relative to the merchandise support frame. The position of the first side.

In one embodiment, the outer surface of a portion of the divider bracket that is press fit within the mount has a knurled outer surface that engages the inner surface of the mount.

In one embodiment, the divider body and mount are formed from one continuous piece of material.

In one embodiment, the divider body and mount are formed from plastic.

In one embodiment, the mount is provided by a press nut mounted within a hole formed in the body of the divider. The press nut has an enlarged head portion and a cylindrical body defining a central cavity into which the divider holder is press fit. The outer dimensions of the body are smaller than the dimensions of the head portion.

In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray divider assembly is provided that includes a divider body, a mount, and a divider holder. The divider body includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is powder coated and the mount is attached to the divider. The main body, at least partially adjacent to the interior surface of the divider body. The divider bracket has a first end inserted into the mount and has an opposite free second end. The divider bracket is unpainted (eg, not powder coated or otherwise coated). coating).

In one embodiment, the divider bracket is galvanized.

In one embodiment, the divider support defines a receiving cavity in which the second end is received.

In one embodiment, the separator support includes a friction member that frictionally engages the outer periphery of the separator support.

In one embodiment, the mount is a compression nut extending through a hole in the divider body.

In one embodiment, a method of assembling a retail merchandise tray divider is provided. The method includes providing a divider body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface. The method includes coating the outer surface of the divider body. The method includes providing a mounting seat. The mount is attached to the divider body and is at least partially adjacent to an inner surface of the divider body. The method includes inserting a first end of the divider bracket into the mount and having the opposite free second end of the divider bracket unpainted.

In one method, providing the mount includes inserting a press nut through an aperture formed in the divider body.

In one method, the step of applying the paint by powder coating occurs after the step of inserting the press nut through the hole.

In one approach, the divider bracket is galvanized.

In one method, the method includes inserting the second free end of the separator holder into the receiving lumen of the separator holder.

In one method, the step of inserting the second free end includes engaging an outer periphery of the divider holder with a friction member to provide a sliding frictional engagement therebetween.

In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly includes a merchandise support frame, a front flap, and a sign holder. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end. The logo holder is releasably secured to the front fender with a logo mounting channel.

In one embodiment, the flag is mounted in the flag holder. The flag has a mounting portion and a flag portion extending substantially perpendicular to the mounting portion. The mounting portion is removably mounted in the flag holder. The flag portion is in the flag holder. Outer and generally perpendicular to the front surface of the front flap.

In one embodiment, an emblem flag is slidably mounted within the emblem mounting channel in a transverse direction generally parallel to the front face of the front fender.

In one embodiment, the flag portion and the mounting portion are formed as a continuous piece with corrugations connecting the flag portion to the mounting portion

In one embodiment, the sign holder includes a front panel, a rear panel and a channel formed therebetween. The rear panel forms a mounting channel where the mounting portion of the sign flag is received in the mounting channel and the rear panel of the sign holder is inserted into the mounting channel. between this mounting portion of the flag flag and the front panel of the flag holder.

In one embodiment, a frame sign is provided. The frame sign has a mounting portion and a frame portion surrounding the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the frame portion are substantially coplanar when mounted to the sign holder. When the frame sign is mounted to the sign holder, the frame portion Around the flag holder.

In one embodiment, the mounting portion may be formed by a U-shaped slit formed in the material forming the frame sign.

In one embodiment, the front flap has a generally flat front surface and when mounted, the frame portion is generally parallel to the front surface.

In one embodiment, the front flap has a generally planar front surface, and the frame portion generally covers the front surface when installed.

In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided that includes a merchandise support frame, a divider support, a front flap, at least one divider, and an accessory attachment clip. The merchandise support frame is at a first end and a second end. An inter-extending front fence is mounted adjacent the first end of the merchandise support frame. At least one divider is slidably mounted to the divider support for adjusting the position of the divider relative to the merchandise support frame. Accessory Attachment Clip The bottom side accessory attachment clip that is releasably clipped to the divider support has an accessory mount positioned forward of the divider support and below the bottom edge of the front fence.

In one embodiment, the accessory holder defines a channel for holding the accessory. The channel has a downward opening.

In one embodiment, the light strip is mounted within the channel and the light generated by the light strip extends through the channel's bracket.

In one embodiment, the light strip or electronic tag mounts to the accessory attachment clip.

In one embodiment, the accessory attachment clip includes a body having a pair of spaced apart attachment legs extending upwardly from a top side thereof. The attachment legs snap attach the accessory attachment clip to the divider support. , the main body is positioned below the divider support.

In another embodiment, there is provided a retail merchandise tray assembly comprising a product support frame and a first front flap hinge. The product support frame extends longitudinally between a first frame end and a second frame end parallel to a first longitudinal axis. The product support frame defines a product support surface. The product support frame includes a first load carrying member and a first cross member. The first load carrying member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first load carrying member has a first End Sections The top of the first end section is closer to the product support surface than the bottom of the first end section The top of the first end section is spaced apart from the product support surface The first cross member is operatively attached to the load carrying member A cross member extends perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis along the second longitudinal axis. The first cross member is adjacent the first frame end and is positioned offset from the top of the first end portion toward the product support surface, the first cross member being Positioned between the top of the first end portion and the product support surface a first front flap hinge is rotatably mounted on the first cross member for a first angular position and a second angular position about the first cross member Rotating the first front flap hinge axially slidable along the first cross member parallel to the second axis to remove and install the first front flap hinge relative to the first cross member.

Installation of the first front top hinge can be accomplished without manipulating the positioning of the first load carrying member relative to the cross member

the load carrying member prevents removal of the front flap hinge when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position

Furthermore, when installed, the first front flap hinge is positioned on the plate of the first load carrying member.

In one example, the first load carrying member has a first height normal to the product support surface and measured between the top and bottom of the first end portion

In one example, the first cross member is a first wire of a wire support structure. The wire support structure also includes a first longitudinal member in the form of a second wire extending from a first end attached to the first cross member and a second end proximate the second frame end.

In one example, the first front flap hinge is positioned laterally between the load carrying member and the first longitudinal member when mounted to the cross member.

In one example, the first cross member is operably attached to the load carrying member in a fixed position.

In one example, when the first cross member is in the operative position relative to the load carrying member, the first front flap hinge is removable from and mountable to the first cross member in the operative position when the product can Position when supported on a product support surface In other words, the user does not need to move the cross member relative to the load carrying member to allow installation or removal of the first front flap hinge.

In one example, the front flap is mounted to the first front flap hinge to rotate with the first front flap hinge about the first cross member between a first angular position and a second angular position. In the first angular position, The front fence is in an upright orientation relative to the product support surface In the second angular position, the front fence is in an oblique orientation relative to the product support surface

In one example, the first front flap hinge is removable from and mountable to the first cross member when the first front flap hinge is in the second angular position. The first front flap hinge cannot be removed from or mounted to the first cross member when the hinge is in the first angular position.

This is due to interference between the load carrying member and the first front flap hinge when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position.

In one example, when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, the first load carrying member interferes with the first front flap hinge to prevent removal or installation from the first cross member by the first front flap hinge to the first cross member.

In one example, the first load carrying member includes a middle portion having a second height perpendicular to the product support surface and measuring between the top and bottom of the middle portion, the top of the middle portion being closer to the product support than the bottom The top of the first end portion of the surface is spaced farther from the product support surface than the top of the middle portion.

In one example, the first height is less than the second height.

In one example, a portion of the top of the first end portion is tapered such that the height of the first end portion increases as one moves from the first end to the second end

In one example, the top of the first end portion includes a curved region that provides a tip relief when the first front flap hinge is mounted to or removed from the first cross member. A front flap hinge is formed between the first end portion and the cross member through the center notch.

In one example, the first front flap hinge has a mounting collar defining a mounting hole through which the cross member extends when the first front flap hinge is installed, and a mounting pin extending from the mounting collar. The ring extends axially,.

In one example, the mounting pin extends along the mounting pin axis. The mounting pin axis is offset from and generally normal to the central axis of the mounting collar.

In one example, the first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin defining a mounting pin axis that is generally normal to the product support surface in a first angular position and that is substantially normal to the product support surface in a second angular position. In the angular position, the mounting pin axis is closer to parallel to the product support surface than in the first angular position.

In one example, the rotation of the first front flap hinge from the first angular position to the second angular position is greater than 90 degrees.

In one example, the first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin having a tip in the first angular position, the tip of the first front flap hinge being located on the first side of the product support surface in the second angular position A tip of the first front flap hinge is located on a second side of the product support surface opposite the first side and the first cross member is on the second side of the product support surface.

In one example, the first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin in a first angular position extending generally perpendicular to the product support surface and in a second angular position the mounting pin in an orientation relative to the product support surface. The non-vertical orientation extends toward the second frame end.

In one example, the longitudinal member includes an end portion attached to the first cross member, an intermediate portion located closer to the second end than the end portion, and a transition portion connecting the end portion to the intermediate portion. The transition portion is not parallel to The first longitudinal axis extends such that the end portions are laterally offset from the middle portion parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

In one example, the intermediate, end, and transition portions of the longitudinal members are formed from a single continuous piece of material.

In one example, a second front flap hinge is included and laterally spaced apart from the first front flap hinge. The second front flap hinge is rotatably mounted on the first cross member for about the The first cross member rotates between the first angular position and the second angular position. The first angular position and the second angular position of the second front flap hinge correspond to the first angular position and the second angular position of the first front flap hinge. Position the front flap attached to the first and second front flap hinges.

In one example, the front flap is detachably attached to the first and second front flap hinges.

In one example, at least one first longitudinal member extends from a first end attached to the first cross member and a second end adjacent to the second frame end. The first end of the first longitudinal member is positioned between the first and second front stops. The first transverse member between the leaf hinges extends along the second longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. At least one first longitudinal member is attached between the first end and the second end, dividing the first transverse member into A first section between the first end and the first longitudinal member and a second section between the second end and the second longitudinal member The first front flap is hingedly mounted to the first section It is worth noting that multiple longitudinal members can be located at Between the first part and the second part of the longitudinal member this configuration should include that in the situation outlined above the second front flap hinge is mounted to the second part. The first longitudinal member prevents the first front flap hinge from moving from the second part at the second part. Removal of the first longitudinal member by a cross member prevents removal of the second front flap hinge from the first cross member at the first portion.

In one example, the second load carrying member is laterally spaced a first distance from the first load carrying member, the first distance being measured parallel to the second longitudinal axis, the first transverse member extending between the first end and the second end parallel to The first length of the second longitudinal axis is greater than the first distance. The first outboard end is positioned proximate to the first end portion of the first load carrying member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the first load carrying member. The first end portion of the second load carrying member is positioned and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the second load carrying member.

In one example, a gap is formed between the first end portion of the first load carrying member and the first cross member. The first front flap hinge has a body defining a mounting hole. The body has a first portion sized to act as the first The front flap hinge abuts the first cross member when in the first angular position, preventing removal of the first front flap hinge from the first cross member. The second corner position passes through the gap, thereby allowing removal of the first front flap hinge from the first cross member.

In one example, the front flap hinge includes a rotation limiting abutment that engages the first load bearing when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, restricting the first front flap away from the second angular position. angular rotation of position

In one example, the first cross member does not extend through either the first load carrying member or the second load carrying member.

In another example, there is provided a method of assembling a retail merchandise tray as described above with the first cross member in an operative position relative to the load carrying member, the method comprising mounting a first front flap hinge on the on the first cross member.

In one example, the first cross member is operatively attached to the load carrying member in a fixed position during the step of installing the front flap hinge.

In one example, the method includes mounting the front flap to a first front flap hinge for rotation about the first cross member with the first front flap hinge between a first angular position and a second angular position. In the angular position, the front flap is in an upright orientation relative to the product support surface In the second angular position, the front flap is in an oblique orientation relative to the product support surface.

In one example, the first front flap hinge is removable from and mountable to the first cross member when the first front flap hinge is in the second angular position. When in the first angular position, the first front flap hinge cannot be removed from or mounted to the first cross member.

In one example, the method includes preventing removal of the first front flap hinge with the first load carrying member when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position.

In one example, the top of the first end portion is tapered such that the height of the first end portion increases as one moves from the first end to the second end

In one example, installing the first front flap hinge includes, when the first front flap hinge is mounted to the first cross member, passing the first front flap hinge through an opening formed in a top portion of the first end portion. The curved area provides the tip notch.

In one example, the first front flap hinge has a mounting collar and a mounting pin. The mounting collar defines a mounting hole and the step of mounting the mounting pin extending axially from the mounting collar includes positioning the first cross member relative to the first load carrying member. The first cross member is inserted through the mounting hole when in the operative position.

In one example, the first longitudinal member includes an end portion attached to the first cross member, an intermediate portion located closer to the second end than the end portion, and a transition portion connecting the end portion to the intermediate portion, the transition The sections extend non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis such that the end sections are laterally offset from the middle section parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

In one example, the intermediate, end, and transition portions of the longitudinal members are formed from a single continuous piece of material.

In one example, the method includes mounting the second front flap hinge on the first cross member laterally spaced relative to the first front flap hinge. The second front flap hinge has a mounting hole for rotatably mounting the second front flap hinge on the first cross member for encircling the first cross member between a first angular position and a second angular position rotate. The first and second angular positions of the second front flap hinge correspond to the first and second angular positions of the first front flap hinge from the opposite of the first front flap hinge from the first cross member The method of mounting an end of an end of the first cross member includes attaching a front flap to a first front flap hinge and a second front flap hinge.

In one example, the front flap is detachably attached to the first front flap hinge and the second front flap hinge.

In one example, the second load carrying member is laterally spaced a first distance from the first load carrying member, the first distance being measured parallel to the second longitudinal axis, the first transverse member extending between the first end and the second end parallel to The first length of the second longitudinal axis is greater than the first distance. The first outboard end is positioned proximate to the first end portion of the first load carrying member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the first load carrying member. The second outboard end Located proximate to the first end portion of the second load carrying member and extending laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the second load carrying member.

In one example, a gap is formed between the first end portion of the first load carrying member and the first cross member. The first front flap has a first portion sized to be positioned when the first front flap hinge is in the Adjacent to the first cross member when in the first angular position, preventing removal of the first front flap hinge from the first cross member. The first front flap hinge has a second portion sized to operate when the first front flap The step of installing the first front flap hinge includes orienting the second part with the gap, and then sliding the first front flap hinge into the first cross member through the gap when the hinge is in the second angular position. on a transverse member.

In one example, the front flap hinge includes a rotation limiting abutment that engages the first load bearing when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, restricting the first front flap away from the second angular rotation of the angular position

In another example, a retail merchandise tray assembly including a product support frame and a front flap hinge is provided. The product support frame extends longitudinally between a first frame end and a second frame end parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The product support frame defines a product support surface. The product support frame includes a first longitudinal member extending generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The member has a first end portion having a top facing and spaced from the product support surface. The product support frame includes a first cross member operatively attached to the first longitudinal member. The member extends along the second longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The first cross member is positioned near the first end portion. The first cross member is offset from the top of the first end portion toward the product support surface. The first cross member is positioned at the A first front flap hinge is rotatably mounted to the first cross member between the top of one end portion and the product support surface for rotating the first cross member about the first cross member between a first angular position and a second angular position. A front flap hinge has a blocking portion. When the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, the blocking portion is aligned with the longitudinal member such that when the first front flap hinge is moved axially parallel to the second axis, the longitudinal member and The blocking portion abuts to prevent removal of the first front flap hinge relative to the first cross member or installation of the first front flap hinge relative to the first cross member when the first front flap hinge is in the second angular position. The portion is not aligned with the longitudinal member such that the alignment member and the blocking portion do not abut when the first front flap hinge moves axially parallel to the second axis, allowing removal of the first front flap hinge relative to the first cross member Alternatively the first front flap hinge is mounted relative to the first cross member.

In one example, the longitudinal member and the cross member form a gap therebetween and the blocking member is dimensioned to extend across the gap when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position.

In one example, the first front flap hinge has a mounting collar that, when mounted to the first cross member, extends around at least a portion of the first cross member. The mounting collar has a portion aligned with the slit and its Dimensioned to pass through the gap when the first front flap hinge is in the second angular position.

In one example, the longitudinal member and the cross member form a gap therebetween. The first front flap hinge is sized and configured to prevent passage of the first front flap hinge when in the first angular position to prevent passage of the first front flap hinge. A front flap hinge is removed from the cross member. The first front flap hinge is sized and configured to allow the first front flap hinge to pass through the gap when in the second angular position to allow the first front flap hinge to Hinges are installed or removed from cross members.

Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

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

1 and 2 are regional top perspective views of one embodiment of a retail merchandise tray assembly;

3 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the retail merchandise tray assembly of FIG. 1;

4 is an exploded top perspective view of the merchandise support frame of the retail merchandise tray assembly of FIG. 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the front flap of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 1, with the front flap in an upright orientation;

Figure 6 is a side view of the front flap in an upright orientation;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the front flap of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 1, with the front flap in an oblique orientation;

Figure 8 is a side view of the front flap in an oblique orientation;

9 and 10 are partial exploded views of the front of the retail merchandise tray assembly of FIG. 1 with the front flap removed from the front flap hinge;

Figure 11 is an enlarged bottom perspective view showing the engagement of the front flap with the wire support structure of the retail merchandise tray assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 12 is an exploded view of the retail merchandise tray assembly of Figure 1;

13 is a cross-sectional view of the divider bracket and spacer of the retail merchandise tray assembly of FIG. 1;

Figure 14 is a partial exploded view of the retail merchandise tray assembly of Figure 1 showing the sign adapter and corresponding sign attached to the divider;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the sign, sign adapter and divider of Figure 14;

Figures 16-19 illustrate a flag adapter;

Figure 20 is an exploded view of an alternative first embodiment of a front flap and a logo holder releasably secured thereto;

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 20 with the logo holder mounted to the front flap;

22 and 23 are cross-sectional views of a number of alternative logo retainer devices that may be releasably secured to a front flap;

Figures 24 and 25 are outline views of attachment clips releasably attached to spacers/divider supports of a tray;

26 and 27 are perspective views showing a logo flag that may be attached to the front flap by a logo holder;

Figure 28 and Figure 29 show another marking device;

Figure 30 shows a partial perspective view of another pallet with the dividers and part of the merchandise support frame removed;

Figure 31 is a partial perspective view of one end of the tray of Figure 30;

Figure 32 is an illustration of the front flap of the tray of Figure 30 mounted to a merchandise support frame;

Figure 33 is a perspective view of the front flap of the tray of Figure 31;

Figure 34 is an exploded view of Figure 32;

Figure 35 is another example of a retail merchandise tray assembly;

Figure 36 shows the frame of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 35;

Figure 37 is an exploded view of the frame of Figure 36;

Figure 38 is a side view of the frame of Figure 36 with the front flap mounting hinge removed from the frame;

Figure 39 is an enlarged view of a portion of the frame of Figure 36 showing the front flap hinge in a first angular position;

Figure 40 is an enlarged view of a portion of the frame of Figure 36 showing the front flap hinge in a second angular position;

Figure 41 is a partial exploded view of the frame of Figure 36, showing the front flap hinge removed and in a first angular position;

42 is a partial exploded view of the frame of FIG. 36 showing the front flap hinge removed and in a second angular position; and

43 is a cross-sectional view of the frame of FIG. 36 extending through the cross member to which the front flap is hingedly mounted.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to those embodiments but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as defined in the invention as defined by the appended claims spirit and scope included.

Detailed ways

Turning now to FIGS. 1-4 , an embodiment of a retail merchandise tray assembly 100 (also referred to as a "tray") is shown.

With particular reference to FIG. 4 , the tray 100 includes a merchandise support frame 109 defining a merchandise support surface, generally planar, on which merchandise to be displayed is supported. In the illustrated embodiment, the merchandise support frame 109 includes A pair of load carrying members 102, a wire support structure 110 and a spacer 112

The wire support structure 110 generally defines a merchandise support surface. The wire support structure 110 is generally removably mounted to the load carrying member 102 and the spacer 112 in an orientation such that the merchandise support surface is vertically above the load carrying member 102 and the spacer 112

The wire support structure 110 will typically be formed from one or more, and typically a plurality, of transversely spaced longitudinal members 116 extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end 114 to a second end 118 of the tray 100.

The wire support structure 110 of this embodiment includes a plurality of transverse members 120 and 122. The transverse members 120, 122 interconnect the various longitudinal members 116 or all of the longitudinal members. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse members 120, 122 are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal members. 116 Extension Typically, the transverse members 120, 122 are welded to the longitudinal members 116 however, in other embodiments, a single co-molded structure may provide the longitudinal and transverse members 116, 120, 122. Additionally, in other examples, the merchandise support frame 109 may Formed from a single continuous piece of material.

The various components of the support frame 109 may be formed from metal or plastic or a suitable combination of metal and plastic

Cross member 120 is positioned at opposite ends 114, 118 of wire support structure 110 and generally extends the entire width of wire support structure 110. Cross member 122 is shorter than cross member 120 and extends less than the entire width of wire support structure 110 and is mutually Even less than all longitudinal members 116

The spacers 112 are interposed between the load carrying members 102 and maintain the lateral spacing of the load carrying members 102. The spacers are typically attached to the load carrying members 102 by screws or other fasteners to form a unity between the spacers 112 and the load carrying members 102. frame structure.

The free ends of the cross members 120 extend into cavities in the form of holes or recesses formed in the load carrying member 102 to removably attach the wire support structure 110 to the load carrying member 102 . As used herein, "removably attached" means an attachment that can be easily undone in a non-destructive manner and subsequently repeated in the same manner. In this sense, "removably attached" does not include welding, Co-molding or other permanent forms of attachment that require failure or damage of the part to undo.

Although typically formed from metal, wire support structure 110 and load carrying member 102 may be formed from plastic and spacer 112 is typically formed from plastic

The tray 100 may be configured to be mounted on a shelf or in a cantilevered orientation relative to a retail merchandise bar of the type typically found in a cooler or other retail merchandise display. In this embodiment, the load carrying member 102 includes a cutout 119 that are sized to accept retail merchandise poles for cantilever mount configurations.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the pallet 100 includes a front flap 104 mounted to a merchandise support frame 109 near a first end 114 of the pallet 100

Pusher 106 mounted to support frame 109 and slidable thereon in directions 124, 126 is operable to move one or more rows of retail merchandise located on top of wire support structure 110 and load carrying member 102 from The second end 118 of the tray 100 is biased towards the first end 114 of the tray 100. The pusher 106 is biased in the direction of arrow 126 towards the first end 114 of the tray 100 by a coil spring 128 or other well known biasing element.

Front fence 104 prevents merchandise from being pushed off the tray by pusher 106 when in the upright orientation shown in FIG. 1 .

In some embodiments, a coil spring 128 may be attached to a first end of the tray 100 (eg, merchandise support frame 109 ) and expand more as the pusher 106 is pushed closer to the second end 118 .

A pair of movable dividers 130 are positioned on either side of the tray 100. The divider assemblies 130 are movable in directions 132, 134 to vary the width or distance between the divider assemblies 130. This lateral adjustment allows for accommodating retail shelves of different widths. commodity.

The dividers extend vertically over the top surface of the wire support structure 110 .

Divider 130 and front flap 104 generally define a storage area where tray 100 is used to store and display merchandise. As merchandise is removed from tray 100, pusher 106 pushes merchandise forward against front flap 104 and first end 114.

This embodiment includes a front flap 104 that is operatively mounted to allow for an upright orientation such as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 5-7 and an oblique orientation such as shown in FIGS. 7-8 In the upright orientation, the front flap 104 prevents removal of merchandise from the tray 100 . In the inclined orientation, merchandise can be more easily loaded into the tray 100 from the first end 114 of the tray 100 .

Referring to Figures 5-9, the front flap 104 is mounted to the merchandise support frame 109, and in particular to the wire support structure 110, by a pair of front flap hinges 140. In the embodiment shown, the front flap hinges 140 are opposite each other. mirror image.

A front flap hinge 140 is mounted to the cross member 120 for rotation about the cross member 120 and, in particular, an axis 142 defined thereby. Front flap hinge 140 rotates between a first angular position that holds front flap 104 in an upright orientation and a second angular position that holds front flap 104 in an oblique orientation. Thus, each front flap 104 wraps around cross member 120 Rotate between upright and reclined orientations.

The body of the front flap hinge 140 includes a mounting cavity that receives the free end of the cross member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting cavity is in the form of a hole extending completely through the body. In other embodiments, the mounting cavity may be a recess.

In the current embodiment, the adjacent carrier member 102 secures the front flap hinge 140 to the cross member 120. In certain embodiments, the free ends of the cross member 120 extend into corresponding cavities of the carrier member 102. Positioning laterally to one side of the front flap hinge 140 such that it cannot be removed from the cross member 120 locks the front flap hinge 140 to the wire support structure 110 , and in particular the cross member 120 .

In some embodiments, in an oblique orientation, front surface 143 of front flap 104 is substantially parallel to the product support surface defined by wire support structure 110 (eg, plus or minus 20 degrees) and in an upright orientation, front surface 143 is substantially parallel to the product support surface defined by wire support structure 110. At least perpendicular to the product support surface (eg, plus or minus 20 degrees), when the front flap 104 is rotated rearward, the top edge 145 of the front flap 104 is closer to the wire support structure 110 than when the front flap 104 is in an upright orientation.

When in an upright orientation, the top edge 145 of the front fence 104 extends farther above the wire support structure than the bottom edge of the front fence 104 extends below the wire support structure. In some embodiments, the front fence does not Need to extend below the wire support structure.

A biasing member 144 , shown in the form of a torsion spring, extends angularly about the cross member 120 biasing the front flap hinge 140 toward a first angular position, eg, away from the second end 118 . Accordingly, the default angular position is the first angular position such that the front flap 104 is in an upright orientation.

A first end 146 (shown in the form of a hook) of biasing member 144 engages merchandise support frame 109, particularly wire support structure 110, and more particularly cross member 120, to inhibit rotational bias of that end of biasing member 144. The opposite end of the member 144 is captured in the slot 146 formed by the front fender hinge 140 and rotates with the front fender hinge 140 as the fender hinge 140 rotates between the first angular position and the second angular position.

When the user goes to load the tray 100, the user can simply push the front flap 104 back toward the second end 118 to tilt the front flap 104 and allow access to the storage area of the tray 100. The flap 104 will swing back to the upright orientation to prevent items from being ejected from the tray 100 by the pusher 104 .

The front flap 104 is preferably releasably mounted to the front flap hinge 140 so that the front flap 104 can be removed from the front flap hinge 140 without removing the front flap hinge 140 from the merchandise support frame 109, particularly from a metal The removal of the wire support structure 110 , more particularly from the cross member 120 , allows simple replacement in the event of damage, reconfiguration, different front flap 104 , etc., without dismantling the system.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the front fence 104 includes a pair of mounting slots 150 that receive corresponding axially extending mounting pins 152 of the corresponding front fence hinges 140 . Preferably, a friction fit is provided between the mounting slot 150 and the mounting pin 152. In some embodiments, one or both of the mounting pin 152 or the mounting slot 150 is tapered so that the pin 152 is more inserted into the mounting slot 150. Increased frictional engagement between components.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the front flap 104 includes a pair of flexible mounting clips 154 extending rearwardly from the rear side 156 of the front flap 104. The mounting clips 154 help secure the front flap 104 to the front flap hinge 140.

The flexible mounting clip 154 extends from a first end 158 attached to the front fender 104 and a free end 160. When the front fender 104 is mounted to the front fender hinge 104, the free end 160 is biased against the free end 160 of the cross member 120. On the opposite side of the cross member 120 from where the mounting pin 152 is located such that it biases the front flap 104 onto the mounting pin and prevents removal of the front flap 104 from the pin 152 . When it is desired to remove the front flap 104, the flexible mounting clips 154 can be biased out of engagement with the cross member 120

The flexible mounting clip 154 preferably has a tapered orientation relative to the mounting slot 150 so that when the front fender 104 is mounted onto the pin 152, the flexible mounting clip 154 will slide along the cross member 120 and be tapered in orientation as it is being mounted. Once the self-bending flexible mounting clip is fully installed, the free end 160 will travel past the cross member 120 and spring back to its relaxed state with the free end 160 adjacent the opposite side of the cross member 120

The front flap hinge 140 includes a rotation limiting abutment 162 having an abutment surface 164 that engages the merchandise support frame 109, particularly a load carrying member or wire support structure 110, when the front flap hinge is in the first angular position. Either or both, this abutment is illustrated in FIG.

This engagement and biasing force provided by biasing member 144 will maintain front flap 104 in an upright orientation.

As noted, the position of the dividers 130 relative to the merchandise support frame 109 can be adjusted to accommodate merchandise of different widths.

Referring to Figure 12, each divider 130 is operably slidably mounted to the merchandise support frame 109 by a longitudinally extending divider bracket 166. In the embodiment shown, the divider bracket 166 is in the form of a cylindrical rod.

In the illustrated embodiment, the divider brackets 166 extend through holes in the load carrying member 102 to which corresponding dividers 130 are positioned and into corresponding cylindrical tube portions 167 of adjacent spacers 112 .

When the divider holder 166 extends into the cylindrical tube portion 167, the spacer 112 may be considered a divider support.

In a preferred embodiment, a resilient friction member mounted to the merchandise support frame 109 engages the divider bracket 166 to provide some resistance to movement of the divider 130. When adjusting the position of the divider 130 relative to the merchandise support frame 109, the divider bracket 166 The elastic friction member is slidable.

Referring to FIG. 13, the elastic friction member is in the form of an O-ring 168. The inner diameter of the O-ring 168 is smaller than the outer diameter of the spacer holder 166. In this way, when the spacer holder 166 passes through the O-ring, the O-ring is stretched to provide desired frictional engagement.

The spacer 112 has a groove 170 transverse to the cylindrical tube portion 167 for receiving the O-ring 168. When properly aligned, the opening of the O-ring 168 will align with the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube portion 167 and the outer diameter of the O-ring 168 Larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube portion 167 such that the O-ring 168 will axially abut opposite sides 172 , 174 of the groove 170 , depending on the direction of adjustment of the position of the divider 130 relative to the spacer 112 .

It is often beneficial to mount a sign adjacent to the tray 100, such as for advertising, coupons, or otherwise displaying relevant information. As shown in FIG. However, a flag could be operatively attached to both dividers 130 .

Flag Adapter 182 for Attaching Flag 180 to Divider 130 In this embodiment, flag adapter 182 extends outward from one end of divider 130 (eg, extends outward beyond first end 114 of tray 100 ).

By attaching the flag 180 to the divider, the flag 180 will adjust relative to the rest of the tray 100 when the position of the divider 130 changes. This prevents the flag 180 from interfering with access to merchandise stored within the tray 100 .

Logo adapter 182 is operably attached to divider 130 in at least two spaced apart positions to prevent rotation of logo adapter 182 relative to divider 130. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 , logo adapter 182 includes a C-shaped snap. Connector 184, which can snap engage around divider bracket 166. This provides a first C-snap in the attached position. The mouth of connector 184 is smaller than the diameter of divider bracket 166. When installed, the C-snap Connector 184 elastically bends and then elastically returns to shape to secure flag adapter 182 to divider bracket 166 .

In addition, press nail 186 is used as the second attachment location. Here, press nail 186 is elastically pushed through hole 188 in flag adapter 182 and hole 190 in divider 130. The diameter of hole 190 is smaller than that of press nail 186. The outside diameter of the shafts to provide proper engagement between them.

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate the marker adapter 182. The marker adapter 182 includes marker attachment means. In this embodiment, the marker attachment means is in the form of a pair of spaced side wall portions 192, 194 that 192 , 194 define a channel 196 therebetween. When installed, marker 180 is at least partially captured within channel 196 .

The opposing side walls 192, 194 are operatively coupled to each other near their adjacent sides. This connection provides a bottom for the channel 196. The channel 196 is bounded on only one side so that the logo can be larger in size than the channel 196 and extend outwardly therefrom. (see eg Figure 15).

With particular reference to FIG. 16 , the flag adapter 182 includes a pair of raised portions 198 extending from the inner surface 200 of the side wall 192 toward the side wall 184 194

Preferably, raised portion 198 extends outwardly from surface 200 a greater distance than the spacing between side walls 192, 194 such that raised portion 198 extends into a cavity in inner surface 206 of side wall 194, The cavity may be a recess or a hole. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity is in the form of a hole 202 in the side wall 194 .

Flag 180 has a raised portion receiving area 210 that aligns with and cooperates with raised portion 198 to secure flag 180 within channel 196. In this embodiment, receiving area 210 is a hole, but a dimple or dimple formed in flag 180 Recesses can also work.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 19 , the marker adapter 182 includes another cavity in the form of a hole 214 that receives the free end of the divider bracket 166 when the other divider 130 is positioned most relative to the merchandise support frame 109 . The divider bracket 166 mounts the divider 130 on the opposite side of the tray 100 when in close proximity. In other embodiments, the cavity may be a recess that does not extend completely through the marker adapter. The free end is connected to another The end of one divider 130 is opposite the end of divider holder 166 .

It should be noted that the logo adapter 182 can be mounted to either the left divider or the right divider 130. Additionally, the logo adapter 182 is located on the inner side of the divider 130 (eg, on the side of the adjacent divider 130 facing the opposite divider 130) .

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 , the divider 130 includes a divider body 220 and a mount 222 . The divider bracket 166 is axially press fit into the cavity of the mount 222 .

In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the portion of the divider bracket 166 received in the cavity of the mount 222 is knurled or has other surface features to improve the engagement between the divider bracket 166 and the mount 222 .

In some embodiments, such as where the divider body 220 is plastic, the divider body 220 and mount 222 are formed from a continuous sheet of material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the divider body 220 and the mount 222 are separate components. Here, the mount 222 is provided by a press nut 226 extending through a hole 228 in the divider body 220 .

The press nut 226 has an enlarged head portion 230 connected to a reduced diameter cylinder 232 Here, the press nut 226 will be press fit to the divider body 220 from the outside of the divider body 220

This arrangement using a press nut 226 provides improved aesthetics and is more conducive to powder coat placement

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the divider body 220 is powder coated, while the divider support 166 is not powder coated. The divider support 166 may be a galvanized wire

By painting/powder coating the separator holder 166 as described above, better control over the diameter of the separator holder 166 can be achieved since it can be difficult to control the thickness of the paint on circular or substantially circular members. This improves the engagement between the divider bracket 166 and the spacer 112 especially when friction members and especially resilient friction members are used to provide the required resistance to adjustment of the divider 130 relative to the merchandise support frame 109 .

This finds a particularly beneficial implementation where the paint application/powder application of the divider body 220 is done by an automated system rather than by manual paint application/powder application, where the user has more control over the paint application to the part. coating/powder coating applications.

During assembly using a press nut, the press nut 226 will typically be installed to the divider body 220 prior to powder coating. Thereafter, the divider bracket 166 may be press fit into the press nut 226 .

This is an improvement over existing designs where wires extend through and mount to the divider body 220 .

To provide customization of the display of information, the front bezel 104 is configured to have a price channel extrusion mounted thereon.

20 and 21 illustrate a first logo holder extrusion 300 that may be removably mounted to the front flap 104. The front flap 104 includes a pair of slots 250, 252 formed in its main panel that receive A pair of opposing legs 302, 304 of the first extrusion 300

The pair of opposing legs bend in opposite directions to allow engagement with the rear side 156 of the front flap 104 to secure the first extrusion 300 thereon. The extrusion 300 is flexible enough to allow sufficient bending so that The legs 302 , 304 may be biased toward each other and the legs 302 , 304 may be inserted through the slots 250 , 252 .

The legs 302 , 304 are spaced apart and mounted to a support panel 308 . When properly installed, the support panel 308 will rest on the front surface 143 of the front fender 104

The first extrusion 300 has forward-facing legs configured to mount an electronic shelf label 320, although other configurations are also contemplated (eg, see extrusions below).

Figures 22 and 23 illustrate alternative extrusions that may be attached to the front flap 104 to provide additional information. More specifically, second, third and fourth flag holder extrusions 400, 500 and 600 are shown.

Instead of having legs extending through both slots 250, 252, these extrusions 400, 500, 600 have attachment arrangements 402, 502, 602 that use one slot 252 and wrap around and capture the front flap 104 The main difference between the rearwardly extending bottom flange 266 of the extrusions 400, 500, 600 is the configuration of the logo attachment mechanism for attaching logos (eg, price tags, product information, etc.).

The attachment configurations 402, 502, 602 are substantially the same, so only the attachment configuration 402 will be described

The attachment configuration includes a generally L-shaped top clip portion 406 that includes a rear leg portion 408 and a downwardly extending foot portion 410. The leg portion 408 extends through the slot 252 such that the foot portion 410 when mounted thereto The rear side 156 of the front flap 104 may be engaged.

The attachment arrangement 402 also includes a generally J-shaped bottom grip portion 412 with a rearwardly extending leg portion 414 extending below the bottom 260 of the front fence 104 and extending rearwardly beyond the bottom 260 of the front fence 104 such that the hook Portion 416 may wrap around rear side 270 of bottom flange 266 . Hook portion 416 extends around rear side 270 and rearwardly over top side 272 of bottom flange 266 .

The upper portion 412 , 512 , 612 of the extrusion 400 , 500 , 600 may be biased against the front of the front flap 104 in a slight bend to secure the extrusion 400 , 500 , 600 and prevent the extrusion 400 from , 500, 600 and the inclination between the front baffle 104.

Extrusions herein may be formed from a single material or from multiple materials, such as two materials coextruded with each other, which would allow for different parts, for example, to be formed from different materials, different colored materials, or a combination of both. For example, The front panel can be transparent, while the back panel can be opaque.

In addition to the extrusions 300, 400, 500, 600, accessory attachment clips 700 and 800 may be provided which attach to the spacer 112 in the same manner and will be referred to as accessory attachment clip 700 A pair of opposing flexible legs 702 encircling the front and rear sides of the spacer 112, particularly around the outer perimeter of the cylindrical tube portion 167, will bend away from each other during installation and then elastically return together to Secure clip 700 to spacer 112

Accessory attachment clip 700 is configured for mounting LED light strip 720 in an accessory holder in the form of channel 710 .

The accessory attachment clip 800 has an accessory holder 810 to which information, such as an electronic shelf label, can be attached.

Figures 26 and 27 illustrate another arrangement. In this arrangement, an extrusion 600 is used. Additionally, an adjustable flag 650 is used with the extrusion 600 and front flap 104.

Sign flag 650 includes mounting portion 652 and flag portion 654 . Mounting portion 652 is generally planar and flag portion 654 is generally planar but generally orthogonal to mounting portion 652 . The flag portion 654 preferably extends to the front of the mounting portion 652 configured and dimensioned to be received in the extrusion 600 .

In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion 652 and the flag portion 654 are formed from a single continuous piece of material, such as molded plastic, folded plastic, folded paper/cardstock, or the like. The junction 674 between the mounting portion 652 and the flag portion 654 can be scored or creased to help maintain a substantially orthogonal orientation between the components (eg, plus or minus 15 degrees)

In some embodiments, the vertical heights H1 and H2 of the mounting portion 652 and the flag portion 654 may be the same or different. Typically, the height H2 of the flag portion 654 will be greater than the height H1 of the mounting portion 652 .

With additional reference to FIG. 22, mounting portion 652 may be received in a different flag mounting channel of extrusion 600. For example, mounting portion 652 may be received in channel 659 formed between front panel 660 and rear panel 662. Pricing information is typically stored in Alternatively in this channel, with respect to the extrusion 600 , the mounting portion 652 may be mounted in a rear mounting channel 656 formed between opposing hook portions 657 (eg flanges) and the panel 662 .

In some embodiments, front panel 660 and back panel 662 may be translucent.

Flag 650 is slidably mounted to extrusion 600 so that the lateral position of flag 650 can be adjusted, as indicated by arrows 670,672.

Both the mounting portion 652 and the banner portion 654 may include information that the retailer would like to display relative to the rest of the tray 100

While a single marker flag 650 is shown in conjunction with the extrusion 600, in other arrangements multiple (eg, two) marker flags 650 may be used, typically extending from opposite ends of a common extrusion.

Additionally, while flag 650 is disclosed for use with extrusion 600, the flag may be used with other extrusions.

Figures 28 and 29 show another arrangement where the device is mounted on a flag holder similar to flag flag 650, but without the flag

The device includes a frame flag 900. The frame flag 900 includes a mounting portion 952 that functions in the same manner as the mounting portion 652 described above. However, instead of having an outwardly extending flag portion 654, the frame flag 900 includes a frame surrounding the mounting portion 652. part 954

As shown in FIG. 29 , the frame portion 954 encloses or otherwise surrounds the emblem holder 600 when the mounting portion 952 is inserted into the emblem holder 600 .

In some embodiments, mounting portion 952 and frame portion 954 are generally coplanar (eg, plus or minus 15 degrees) when mounted to sign holder 600 .

Mounting portion 952 is a laterally extending portion having a free end 960 that will slide into the mounting channel of flag holder 600

The frame portion 954 includes a pair of spaced apart leg portions 962, 964 having a mounting portion 952 positioned therebetween. The leg portions 962, 964 are connected by and transversely between end portions 966, 968. Extended leg portions 962, 964 and end portions 966, 968 define a central region in which mounting portion 952 is positioned and in which sign holder 600 generally fits when framed sign 900 is mounted to sign holder 600. in the central area

The length L2 of the central region defined by the leg portion 962 is substantially equal to the length L1 of the width of the logo holder 600

Similarly, the height H4 of the central region defined by the end portions 966, 968 is substantially equal to the height H3 of the portion of the sign holder positioned within the central region when the frame sign 900 is installed.

Mounting portion 952 extends laterally from end portion 968 toward end portion 966

The frame portion 954 may be generally parallel to the front surface of the front bezel 104 when installed. Additionally, frame portion 954 may be sized to cover front surface 143 completely or only partially.

30-34 illustrate another example of a pallet 1000 according to the present disclosure. The pallet 1000 is similar in many respects to the previous pallets, except to the contrary of the operation of this example, those features not explicitly discussed below but discussed above may be incorporated. For example, divider assemblies and associated features, logos, logo holders, label holders, and accessory attachment clips in tray 1000 can all be incorporated into tray 1000 although front flap 1004 is not shown for inclusion in front flap 104 upper opening 250, but this feature could be incorporated, for example.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31 , the tray 1000 generally includes a merchandise support frame 1009 (best shown in part in FIG. 31 ) defining a merchandise support surface on which merchandise to be displayed is supported similar to the previous trays, Tray 1000 includes a pair of load carrying members 1002, wire support structure 1010 and spacers 1012

The wire support structure 1010 is operably removably mountable to the load carrying member 1002. The wire support structure 1010 generally includes a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinal members 1016 extending along a longitudinal axis from the first end 1014 of the tray 1000 to the tray 1000. The second end of 1000 1018

The front fence 1004 is mounted to the merchandise support frame 109 near the first end 1014 of the tray 1000. The front fence 1004 is operatively mounted to allow for the upright orientation shown in FIGS. 7-8 are shown for pivoting between the tray 100). In an upright orientation, the front flap 1004 prevents removal of merchandise from the tray 1000. In an inclined orientation, merchandise can be more easily removed from the first end of the tray 1000. 1014 is loaded into pallet 1000.

Front flap hinges 1040 , 1041 mount front flap 1004 to merchandise support frame 1009 , in particular to wire support structure 1010 . Front flap hinges 1040, 1041 are mounted to cross member 1020 for rotation about cross member 1020 and in particular axis 1042 defined thereby. Front flap hinges 1040, 1041 allow front flap 1004 to rotate between an upright orientation and a tilted orientation

In this example, the front flap hinges 1040, 1041 and the main panel 1047 are formed as a continuous piece and are permanently attached to each other. Therefore, there is no need for separate parts from the main panel 1047, such as the front flap hinge 140. In this example, the front Flap hinges 1040 , 1041 project rearwardly from the rear surface of the main panel 1047 .

The front flap hinges 1040, 1041 are spaced apart, and the diameter of the hole 1053 therethrough is large enough to allow one end of the cross member 1020 to be inserted at an angle into one of the front flap hinges 1040, 1041 and then rotated sufficiently so that the other end can pass around. The other of the front flap hinges 1041, 1040 is inserted into its hole 1053.

In an alternative example, the aperture 1053 need not be a complete circle and could be provided by a C-shaped clip that allows the front flap 1004 to be snapped to the cross member 1020 .

32, biasing member 1044 engages front flap hinge 1040 and wire support structure 1010 to bias front flap 1004 toward an upright orientation. In this example, biasing member 1044 is a coil spring extending around cross member 1020. Others are contemplated. Resilient biasing member.

One end 1061 of the biasing member 1044 engages the longitudinal member 1016 while the other end 1063 of the biasing member engages the front flap hinge 1040 .

Front flap hinge 1040 includes a slot 1059 that receives end 1063 .

The front flap hinge 1040 includes a covering area 1065 which covers a portion of the biasing member 1044 and in particular a portion of the coils of the helical spring

While a single biasing member is shown, multiple biasing members may be employed.

The rear surface of the main panel 1047 provides a rotation limiting abutment 1062 that abuts a corresponding structure of the merchandise support frame 1009 (see FIG. 32 ). In this example, the rotation limiting abutment 1062 abuts the end of the load carrying member 1002 when in the upright orientation (See Figure 31).

FIG. 35 shows yet another example of a retail merchandise tray assembly 1100 , also referred to as tray 1100 , which is similar in many respects to previous trays, such as tray 100 or tray 1000 . Any features of previous trays or structures that will describe the main differences of tray 1100 that are not directly inconsistent with the features of tray 1100 described below may be incorporated into and used with the features of tray 1100 .

In FIG. 35 , the pallet 1100 generally includes a product support frame 1109 for supporting retail merchandise. The frame 1109 includes a pair of longitudinal members in the form of opposing spaced apart load carrying members 1102 at first and second ends of the pallet 1100. Extends between two ends (front and rear) 1114, 1118. The load carrying member 102 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis 1117 .

The load carrying member 1102 is operable to support the wire support structure 1110 of the frame 1109 . The frame 1109, in particular the wire support structure 1110 in this example, defines a product support surface upon which the product is supported.

In one example, the wire support structure 1110 and its longitudinally extending members 1116 and transverse members 1120, 1122 are formed as a single piece. More specifically, the members 1116, 1120, 1122 are operatively welded together. In one example, the members 1116, 1120, 1122 are formed from wire.

Wire support structure 1110 may be formed from metal or plastic

The wire support structure 1110 is operably attached to the load carrying member such that the members 1116, 1120, 1122 are operatively attached to the load carrying member 1102. However, each member 1116, 1120, 1122 need not be directly attached to the load carrying member. Component 1102.

Figure 36 shows the wire support structure 1110 in an operative position relative to the load carrying member 1102 such that the frame 1109 can be used to support retail merchandise when the wire support structure 1110, and in particular the cross member 1120, is in this position relative to the load carrying member 1102 , the front flap hinges 1140, 1141 are operatively removed from the cross member 1120

In one example, the wire support structure 1110 is permanently attached to the load carrying member 1102 such that the members 1116, 1120, 1122 are in a generally fixed position relative to the load carrying member 1102. In particular, some limited flexibility allows some limited Relative motion permanent attachment may be accomplished by welding various cross members, such as cross member 1122 , to load carrying member 1102 . Adhesives or other means of mechanical attachment (such as deformation of one of the cross members) may also be used

In other examples, the wire support structure 1110 can be removably attached to the load carrying member 1102. This can be done similarly to the trays 100 and 1000. For example, in addition to the cross member 1120, the ends of one or more cross members 1122 The portion is axially insertable into a bore within the load carrying member 1102 .

The tray 1100 includes a pusher mounted to the frame 1109 (particularly the longitudinally extending member 1116) for pushing the product towards the first end 1114 and towards the front flap 1104. The tray 1100, in particular the product support frame 1109 defines the A first longitudinal axis 1117 extending between the first and second ends 1114 , 1118 .

In the example shown, front flap 1104 is a removable front flap, but a front flap similar to front flap 1004 of tray 1000 may be incorporated in other examples.

With additional reference to FIGS. 36 and 37 , the wire support structure 1110 also includes cross members 1120 , 1122 .

To mount the front flap 1104, a pair of front flap hinges 1140, 1141 are mounted to the frame 1109 for pivotal movement between a first angular position and a second angular position. In particular, the front flap hinges 1140, 1141 may surround approximately A longitudinal axis 1142 that is perpendicular to longitudinal axis 1117 rotates. As previously described, this allows the front flap 1104 to transition from an upright orientation similar to FIG. 6 to an oblique orientation similar to FIG. 8 .

In this example, the front flap hinges 1140 , 1141 are mounted to the wire support structure 1110 and in particular to the cross member 1120 . In this example, the axis 1142 is defined by the cross member 1120 .

In this tray 1100, the front flap hinges 1140, 1141 can be mounted to and removed from the frame 1109 without disassembling the frame 1109. One or both are disconnected.

In this example, the load carrying member 1102 does not need to be disconnected from the wire support structure 1110 In particular, the cross member does not need to be moved relative to the load carrying member 1102 to install or remove the front flap hinges 1140 , 1141 relative to the cross member 1120 .

This is particularly beneficial when retrofitting the tray 1100 when installed in a retail environment. Furthermore, it allows the front top hinges 1140, 1141 or optional front flap 1104 to be installed after the frame 1109 or the rest of the tray 1100 are fully assembled.

In this example, the load carrying members 1102 extend longitudinally between first and second ends parallel to the longitudinal axis 1117 ( FIG. 36 ). The load carrying members 1102 are generally identical but mirror images of each other. Accordingly, the description of one load carrying member applies to Another load carrying member 1102 .

36 and 37, the load carrying member 1102 includes a first end portion 1170, a middle portion 1172 and a second end portion 1174. When assembled, the first end portion 1170 is located near the first end 1114, and the second end A top portion 1174 is located near the second end 1118 and an intermediate portion 1172 is positioned axially between the first and second end portions 1170 , 1172 .

In this example, first portion 1172 has a height H5 defined between top 1176 and bottom 1178. Height H5 is measured generally perpendicular to product support surface 1179 defined by frame 1109. Referring to FIG. Positioned closer to or closer to product support surface 1179 (e.g., in this example the top of wire support structure 1110) than bottom 1178. Also, in this example, top 1176 is spaced apart from product support surface 1179

In this example, the height H6 of the middle portion 1172 is greater than the height H5 of the first end portion 1170. The height H6 is measured between the top of the middle portion and the bottom of the middle portion 1172. In this example, the bottom of the middle portion 1172 is The bottom of the first end portion 1170 is aligned In this arrangement, the top 1185 of the middle portion 1172 is closer to the product support surface 1179 than the top 1176 of the first end portion 1170

In this example, the top 1176 of the first portion 1170 of the load carrying member 1102 is profiled. The profile includes a transition region of increasing height as one moves from the first end 1114 to the second end 1118.

The profile also includes a pair of curved regions 1180 , 1181 . The first curved region 1180 is aligned with the first cross member 1120 and the first curved region 1180 is offset from the product support surface 1179 .

A gap 1182 is formed between the top 1176 and the cross member 1120, particularly between the first curved region 1180 of the top 1176 and the first cross member 1120. In particular, the cross member 1120 is offset from the top 1120 toward the product support surface 1179, laterally The member is positioned between the top 1176 of the first end portion 1170 and the product support surface.

In this example, the slot 1182 has a spacing S1 that allows the front flap hinge 1140 to be installed and removed from the first cross member 1120 when the front flap hinge 1140 is properly oriented. When the front flap hinge 1140 is removed and installed to the first cross member 1120, the front flap hinge 1140 passes through the gap.

Specifically, in one example, when flap hinge 1140 is properly oriented, front flap hinge 1140 can slide axially along cross member 1120 and parallel to axis 1142 (see, eg, arrow 1183 in FIG. Member 1120 again removes and installs front flap hinge 1140 .

39 shows the front flap hinge 1140 in a first angular position in which the load carrying member 1102 prevents the front flap hinge 1140 from sliding off the end of the cross member 1120

40 illustrates the front flap hinge 1140 in a second angular position. In this position, the front flap hinge 1140 is oriented such that it does not interfere with the load carrying member 1102 and can slide off the cross member 1120

More specifically, the main body 1184 of the front flap hinge 1140 includes a blocking portion 1186 that is aligned with a portion of the first end portion 1170 of the load carrying member 1102 such that when the front flap hinge is in the orientation shown in FIG. Portion 1186 prevents front flap hinge 1140 from sliding axially away from cross member 1120. In FIG. 39, blocking portion 1186 is shown in phantom.

In the second angular position shown in FIG. 40 , front flap hinge 1140 has rotated about axis 1142 and cross member 1120. In this orientation, blocking portion 1186 of body 1184 is rotated out of alignment with first end portion 1170 such that As the hinge portion slides axially along cross member 1120 and axis 1142 , blocking portion 1186 will slide over load carrying member 1102 .

The main body 1184 of the front flap hinge 1140 includes a collar portion 1188 that defines a mounting aperture 1190 that receives the cross member 1120 between the cross member 1120 and the flexure region 1180 when the front flap hinge 1140 is in the second angular position. The portion of the collar portion 1188 aligned with the slot 1182 (see FIG. 38 ) is sized to pass through the slot 1182. For example, the radial thickness R1 (see FIG. 39 of that portion of the collar portion 1188) is generally smaller than the spacing of the slot 1182 S1.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40 , the front fence hinge 1140 must be rotated from the first angular position by a sufficient angle so that the mounting pin axis 1191 of the front fence mounting pin 1152 transitions beyond parallel to the product support surface at this point. In an example, the front flap hinge 1140 must be rotated more than 90 degrees from upright (eg, from the orientation in FIG. 39 to the orientation in FIG. 40 ).

In this example, in the second angular position, mounting pin 1152 extends in a non-orthogonal orientation relative to product support surface 1179 and extends toward second end 1118

In one example, the tip of the mounting pin 1152 must pass under the product support surface 1179 in the second angular position in which the front flap hinge 1140 can be removed from the cross member 1120 .

Figures 41 and 42 show the front flap hinges 1140, 1141 removed from the frame 1109 but in the first and second angular positions shown in Figures 39 and 40

Additionally, in one example, when the front flap 1104 is mounted to the front flap hinge 1140, the front flap 1104 will abut the frame 1109, such as the wire support structure 1110, before the front flap hinge 1140 is rotated into this orientation. With the flap 1104 mounted to the front flap hinge 1140, the front flap hinge 1140 cannot be removed from the cross member 1120 because the front flap 1104 limits the angular rotation of the front flap hinge 1140 to the orientation in FIG. 40

The configuration of the wire support structure 1110 divides the cross member 1120 into a plurality of sections, including a first end section 1194 and a second end section 1195. Front flap hinges 1140, 1141 are mounted on the first and second end sections 1194, 1194, respectively. 1195 on.

In order to accommodate the front flap hinges 1140, 1141, several longitudinal members 1116 are not completely straight. Instead, in the example shown, the two outermost longitudinal members 1116 include end portions 1196 near the first end 1114, closer to the second An intermediate portion 1197 of end 1118 and a transition portion 1198 connecting end portion 1196 to intermediate portion 1197 .

When assembled, the longitudinal members 1116 (at least some) are connected to the cross members 1120. Thus, the ends of the longitudinal members are positioned between the front flap hinges 1140, 1141. The longitudinal members 1116 thus prevent the front flap hinges 1140 from closing at the second end portion. Removal from Cross Member 1120 at 1195 Similarly, longitudinal member 1116 prevents removal of front flap hinge 1141 from cross member 1120 at first end portion 1194 .

In this example, end portions 1196 are attached to cross members 1120 and 1122 .

For these longitudinal members 1116, end portions 1196 are laterally offset from intermediate portion 1197 parallel to axis 1142 (eg, perpendicular to axis 1117).

Referring to FIG. 43 , the inner surfaces of the load carrying member 1102 are separated by a distance D1. The length L3 of the cross member 1120 is greater than the distance D1. In addition, the length L3 is greater than the distance D2 defined by the outer surface of the load carrying member 1102.

In this example, the first and second end portions 1194, 1195 of the cross member 1120 extend axially beyond the inner surface and extend axially beyond the outer surface of the load carrying member 1102. However, it is worth noting that the cross member 1120 does not extend to or through a hole formed through the load carrying member 1102.

In some embodiments, the ends of cross members 1120 may be spaced apart inside adjacent load carrying members 1102, but less than the width of body 1184 defining mounting aperture 1190, such that load carrying members 1102 still interfere with blocking portion 1186 to Prevents removal when in the first swivel position.

Similar to the previous embodiments, the front flap hinge 1140 includes a rotation limiting abutment 1162 that axially abuts an adjacent load when the front flap hinge 1140 is in a first angular orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 39 ). The end of the load bearing member.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference was individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and is herein and in its entirety Elaborated to the same extent.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar designators in the context of describing the present invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims) should be construed to cover the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context, the terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including but not limited to"), unless otherwise indicated herein, recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand way of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, and each separate value is incorporated herein. Unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, as if individually enumerated herein, with any and all examples or exemplary language provided herein (e.g. , "such as") is intended merely to better clarify the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and unless otherwise stated, no language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any non-claimed element is essential to the invention The practice of invention is essential.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all subject matter recited in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Modifications and Equivalents Furthermore, this invention encompasses any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (48)

1. A retail merchandise tray assembly comprising:

a product support frame extending longitudinally parallel to the first longitudinal axis between a first frame end and a second frame end, the product support frame defining a product support surface, the product support frame comprising:

a first load carrying member extending longitudinally parallel to the first longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the first load carrying member having a first end portion proximate the first frame end, a top of the first end portion being closer to the product supporting surface than a bottom of the first end portion, the top of the first end portion being spaced apart from the product supporting surface;

A first cross member operatively attached to the load carrying member, the first cross member extending perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis along the second longitudinal axis, the first cross member being proximate the first frame end and positioned offset from the top of the first end portion toward the product supporting surface, the first cross member being positioned between the top of the first end portion and the product supporting surface; and

a first front flap hinge rotatably mounted on the first cross member for rotation about the first cross member between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first front flap hinge being slidable along the first cross member parallel to the second axis for removing the first front flap hinge relative to the first cross member and mounting the first front flap hinge relative to the first cross member.

2. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein the first cross member is a first wire of a wire support structure further comprising a first longitudinal member in the form of a second wire extending from a first end attached to the first cross member and a second end proximate the second frame end.

3. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein the first cross member is operably attached to the load carrying member in a fixed position.

4. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein the first front flap hinge is removable from and mountable to the first cross member when the first cross member is in an operative position relative to the load carrying member, the operative position being a position when a product may be supported on the product support surface.

5. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, further comprising a front flap mounted to the first front flap hinge for rotation with the first front flap hinge about the first cross member between a first angular position in which the front flap is in an upright orientation relative to the product support surface and a second angular position in which the front flap is in an inclined orientation relative to the product support surface.

6. A retail product tray as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the first front flap hinge is removable from and attachable to the first cross member when the first front flap hinge is in the second angular position; and

the first front flap hinge is not removable from or attachable to the first cross member when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position.

7. The retail merchandise tray of claim 6, wherein when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, the first load carrying member interferes with the first front flap hinge to prevent the first front flap hinge from being removed from or mounted to the first cross member.

8. A retail product tray as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the first load carrying member has a first height, the first height being perpendicular to the product supporting surface and measured between the top and bottom of the first end portion;

the first load carrying member includes a middle portion having a second height, the second height being perpendicular to the product supporting surface and measured between a top and a bottom of the middle portion, the top of the middle portion being closer to the product supporting surface than the bottom; and

the top of the first end portion is spaced farther from the product supporting surface than the top of the intermediate portion.

9. The retail product tray of claim 8, wherein the first height is less than the second height.

10. The retail product tray of claim 1, wherein a portion of the top of the first end portion is tapered such that the height of the first end portion increases as one moves from the first end to the second end.

11. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein the top of the first end portion includes a curved region providing a tip gap through which the first front flap hinge passes when the first front flap hinge is mounted to or removed from the first cross member.

12. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein the first front flap hinge has a mounting collar defining a mounting hole that receives the cross member when the first front flap hinge is mounted and a mounting pin extending axially from the mounting collar.

13. The retail merchandise tray of claim 12, wherein the mounting pin extends along a mounting pin axis that is offset from and generally orthogonal to the central axis of the mounting collar.

14. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein the first front flap hinge comprises an axially extending mounting pin defining a mounting pin axis, the mounting pin axis being substantially orthogonal to the product support surface in the first angular position, and the mounting pin axis being more nearly parallel to the product support surface than in the first angular position.

15. The retail product tray of claim 1, wherein the rotation of the first front flap hinge from the first angular position to the second angular position is greater than 90 degrees.

16. A retail product tray as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin having a tip;

in the first angular position, the tip of the first front flap hinge is located on a first side of the product supporting surface;

in the second angular position, the tip of the first front flap hinge is located on a second side of the product supporting surface opposite the first side; and

the first cross member is located on a second side of the product supporting surface.

17. A retail product tray as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin;

in the first angular position, the mounting pin extends generally perpendicular to the product supporting surface;

in the second angular position, the mounting pin extends in a non-perpendicular orientation relative to the product supporting surface and toward the second frame end.

18. The retail merchandise tray of claim 2, wherein the first longitudinal member includes an end portion attached to the first transverse member, a middle portion positioned closer to the second end than the end portion, and a transition portion connecting the end portion to the middle portion, the transition portion extending non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis such that the end portion is laterally offset from the middle portion parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

19. The retail merchandise tray of claim 18, the intermediate portion, end portion, and transition portion of the longitudinal member being formed from a single continuous piece of material.

20. The retail item tray of claim 1, further comprising:

a second front flap hinge laterally spaced from the first front flap hinge, the second front flap hinge having a mounting hole rotatably mounting the second front flap hinge to the first cross member for rotation about the first cross member between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first and second angular positions of the second front flap hinge corresponding to the first and second angular positions of the first front flap hinge; and

front flaps attached to the first and second front flap hinges.

21. The retail merchandise tray of claim 20, wherein the front flap is removably attached to the first front flap hinge and the second front flap hinge.

22. The retail merchandise tray of claim 20, further comprising at least one first longitudinal member extending from a first end attached to the first cross member and a second end proximate the second frame end;

The method is characterized in that:

the first end of the at least one first longitudinal member is positioned between the first front flap hinge and the second front flap hinge;

a first cross member extending along a second longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, at least one first longitudinal member attached between the first end and the second end dividing the first cross member into a first portion between the first end and the at least one first longitudinal member and a second portion between the second end of the cross member and the at least one first longitudinal member;

a first front flap hinge mounted to the first portion;

a second front flap hinge mounted to the second portion;

the at least one first longitudinal member prevents the first front flap hinge from being removed from the first cross member at the second portion; and

the at least one first longitudinal member prevents the second front flap hinge from being removed from the first cross member at the first portion.

23. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, further comprising a second load carrying member laterally spaced from the first load carrying member by a first distance measured parallel to the second longitudinal axis;

wherein the first cross member extends a first length parallel to the second longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, the first length being greater than the first distance;

The first lateral end is positioned adjacent the first end portion of the first load carrying member and extends laterally outwardly beyond the inner surface of the first load carrying member; and

the second lateral end is positioned adjacent the first end portion of the second load carrying member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the second load carrying member.

24. A retail product tray as recited in claim 1, wherein:

forming a gap between a top of the first end portion of the first load carrying member and a bottom of the first cross member;

the first front flap hinge has a body defining a mounting hole, the body having a first portion sized to abut the first cross member when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, preventing removal of the first front flap hinge from the first cross member; and

the body has a second portion sized to pass through the slit when the first front flap hinge is in the second angular position, thereby allowing the first front flap hinge to be removed from the first cross member.

25. The retail merchandise tray of claim 1, wherein the front flap hinge includes a rotation limiting abutment that engages the first load bearing when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, limiting angular rotation of the first front flap away from the second angular position.

26. The retail merchandise tray of claim 23, wherein the first cross member does not extend through the first load carrying member or the second load carrying member.

27. A method of assembling the retail merchandise tray of claim 1, comprising:

the first front flap hinge is mounted on the first cross member with the first cross member in an operative position relative to the load carrying member.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first cross member is operably attached to the load carrying member in a fixed position during the step of installing the front flap hinge.

29. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

the front flap is mounted to the first front flap hinge for rotation with the first front flap hinge about the first cross member between a first angular position in which the front flap is in an upright orientation relative to the product supporting surface and a second angular position in which the front flap is in an inclined orientation relative to the product supporting surface.

30. The method according to claim 27, wherein:

the first front flap hinge is removable from and mountable to the first cross member when the first front flap hinge is in the second angular position; and

The first front flap hinge is not removable from or mountable to the first cross member when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the first front flap hinge is prevented from being removed with the first load carrying member when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position.

32. The method according to claim 27, wherein:

the first load carrying member includes a middle portion having a second height, the second height being perpendicular to the product supporting surface and measured between a top and a bottom of the middle portion, the top of the middle portion being closer to the product supporting surface than the bottom; and

the top of the first end portion is spaced farther from the product supporting surface than the top of the intermediate portion.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first height is less than the second height.

34. The method of claim 27, wherein the top of the first end portion is tapered such that the height of the first end portion increases as one moves from the first end to the second end.

35. The method of claim 27, wherein installing the first front flap hinge includes passing the first front flap hinge through a tip notch provided by a curved region formed in a top of the first end portion when the first front flap hinge is installed to the first cross member.

36. The method of claim 27, wherein the first front flap hinge has a mounting collar and a mounting pin, the mounting collar defining a mounting hole and the mounting pin extending axially from the mounting collar;

the step of mounting includes inserting the first cross member into the mounting hole when the first cross member is in an operative position relative to the first load carrying member.

37. The method of claim 28, wherein the first longitudinal member includes an end portion attached to the first transverse member, a middle portion positioned closer to the second end than the end portion, and a transition portion connecting the end portion to the middle portion, the transition portion extending non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis such that the end portion is laterally offset from the middle portion parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the intermediate portion, the end portion, and the transition portion of the longitudinal member are formed from a single continuous piece of material.

39. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

mounting a second front flap hinge on the first cross member in laterally spaced relation to the first front flap hinge, the second front flap hinge having a mounting hole rotatably mounting the second front flap hinge on the first cross member for rotation about the first cross member between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first and second angular positions of the second front flap hinge corresponding to the first and second angular positions of the first front flap hinge;

A second front flap hinge is mounted to the first cross member from an end of the first cross member opposite the first front flap hinge;

the front flap is attached to the first and second front flap hinges.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the front flap is removably attached to the first front flap hinge and the second front flap hinge.

41. The method of claim 39, further comprising a first longitudinal member extending from a first end attached to the first cross member and a second end proximate the second frame end;

the method is characterized in that:

the first end of the first longitudinal member is positioned between the first front flap hinge and the second front flap hinge;

a first cross member extending along a second longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the first longitudinal member attached between the first end and the second end, dividing the first cross member into a first portion between the first end and the first longitudinal member and a second portion between the second end and the second longitudinal member;

a first front flap hinge mounted to the first portion;

a second front flap hinge mounted to the second portion;

the first longitudinal member prevents the first front flap hinge from being removed from the first cross member at the second portion; and

The first longitudinal member prevents the second front flap hinge from being removed from the first cross member at the first portion.

42. The method of claim 27, further comprising a second load carrying member laterally spaced from the first load carrying member by a first distance measured parallel to the second longitudinal axis;

wherein the first cross member extends a first length parallel to the second longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, the first length being greater than the first distance;

the first lateral end is positioned adjacent the first end portion of the first load carrying member and extends laterally outwardly beyond the inner surface of the first load carrying member; and

the second lateral end is positioned adjacent the first end portion of the second load carrying member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the second load carrying member.

43. The method according to claim 27, wherein:

forming a gap between a top of the first end portion of the first load carrying member and a bottom of the first cross member;

the first front flap hinge has a body defining a mounting hole, the body having a first portion sized to abut the first cross member when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, preventing the first front flap hinge from removing the first front flap hinge from the first cross member; and

The body has a second portion sized to pass through the slit when the first front flap hinge is in the second angular position, thereby allowing the first front flap hinge to be removed from the first cross member; and

the step of installing includes orienting the second portion with the slot and then sliding the first front flap hinge onto the first cross member.

44. The method of claim 27, wherein the front flap hinge includes a rotation limiting abutment that engages the first load bearing when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, limiting angular rotation of the first front flap away from the second angular position.

45. A retail merchandise tray assembly comprising:

a product support frame extending longitudinally parallel to a first longitudinal axis between a first frame end and a second frame end, the product support frame defining a product support surface, the product support frame comprising:

a first longitudinal member extending generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis, the first longitudinal member having a first end portion with a top portion facing and spaced apart from the product supporting surface;

a first cross member operatively attached to the first longitudinal member, the first cross member extending perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis along the second longitudinal axis, the first cross member being proximate the first end portion, the first cross member being offset from a top of the first end portion toward the product supporting surface, the first cross member being positioned between the top of the first end portion and the product supporting surface; and

A first front flap hinge rotatably mounted to the first cross member for rotation about the first cross member between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first front flap hinge having a blocking portion characterized by:

when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, the blocking portion is aligned with the longitudinal member such that the longitudinal member and the blocking portion abut when moving the first front flap hinge parallel to the second axial axis, preventing removal or installation of the first front flap hinge relative to the first cross member; and

when the first front flap hinge is in the second angular position, the blocking portion is not aligned with the longitudinal member such that the alignment member and the blocking portion do not abut when the first front flap hinge is moved parallel to the second axial axis, allowing the first front flap hinge to be removed or installed relative to the first cross member.

46. The retail merchandise tray assembly of claim 45, wherein the longitudinal member and the transverse member form a gap therebetween, the blocking member being sized to extend across the gap when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position.

47. The retail item tray assembly of claim 46, wherein:

The first front flap hinge has a mounting collar that extends around at least a portion of the first cross member when mounted thereto;

the mounting collar has a portion aligned with the slot and is sized to pass through the slot when the first front flap hinge is in the second angular position.

48. The retail item tray assembly of claim 45, wherein:

a gap is formed between the longitudinal member and the transverse member;

the first front flap hinge is sized and configured to prevent the first front flap hinge from passing through the slit when in the first angular position to prevent the first front flap hinge from being removed from the cross member; and

the first front flap hinge is sized and configured to allow the first front flap hinge to pass through the slit when in the second angular position to allow the first front flap hinge to be installed or removed from the cross member.