KR20150131266A - Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A product management display system for selling a product on a shelf includes a trackless pusher mechanism moving thereon along the surface on which the product is placed and one or more partitions for separating the product into rows. The one or more partitions may engage the front rail in two different states and may be locked and unlocked. In the locked state, the relationship between the partition and the front rail blocks the change in any direction relative to each other. In the unlocked state, the partitions can be freely slid sideways along the full length rails while keeping perpendicular to the front rails. One or more partitions may be locked to the front rail through the use of cams that can form corresponding toothed portions, resilient surfaces, locking tabs, locking bars and / or cam glides.

Description

{PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH TRACKLESS PUSHER MECHANISM}

Cross-reference to related application

This application claims priority from U.S. Serial No. 13 / 839,674, filed March 15, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 839,674, filed on July 5, 2012, US Application No. 13 / 542,419 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent No. 8,322,544, and U.S. Serial No. 12 / 639,656, filed December 16, 2009, and U.S. Serial No. 12 / 639,656, U.S. Patent No. 8,453,850, and U.S. Serial No. 12 / 357,860 filed on January 22, 2009, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 357,860, now U.S. Patent No. 8,312,999, issued on June 8, 2007 U.S. Application Serial No. 11 / 760,196, filed on September 12, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 716,362, filed September 12, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 734,692, now U.S. Patent Nos. 7, 823,734, filed on April 25, 2006, and U.S. Serial No. 11 / 411,761 filed on April 25, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Application No. 13 / 542,419 is also related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 530,736, filed September 2, 2011, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 542,473, filed October 3, 2011, U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 553,545, filed on February 18,2002, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Field

Exemplary embodiments relate to a lathe assembly that is generally used in product sales, and more particularly to a lathe assembly having improved mechanisms for placing and pushing products on shelves.

Retail stores, such as convenience stores, drug stores, grocery stores, discount stores, etc., offer both buyers a product display and store product It requires a large number of shelves. At the time of product display, it is desirable that the product on the shelves be positioned toward the front of the shelf so that the product can be seen and accessible to the buyers. In the case of coolers or refrigerators used to store and display such products, such as soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water and other bottles or canned drinks, It is also desirable that the shelf is positioned towards the front of the shelf and accessible to buyers.

In order to achieve this arrangement of the product, the known systems may include inclined trays or floors which will cause the products to move towards the front of the shelf through gravity. Many of these systems include floors or shelves made of a plastic material such as polypropylene, because they allow the product to slide easily along an inclined floor or surface due to the low coefficient of friction of the material. Over time, however, these surfaces prevent the product from sliding properly, and sometimes prevent the product from being tipped and thus blocking the further product from being directed to the front of the shelf, As shown in FIG.

Other systems include the use of a pusher system to push the product toward the front of the shelf as the product is removed from the front of the shelf. Known pusher systems are typically mounted on a track and include a pusher paddle and a coiled spring to press the product forward. In some cases, as the system is used, over time, the track is blocked by foreign or sticky materials that interfere with proper operation of the pusher system in the track. In addition, depending on the size, shape and weight of the merchandised product, known pusher paddles can be tipped or bent backwards as the case may be, thereby causing binding of the pusher mechanism in the track. In such situations, the pusher mechanism may not be able to properly push the product toward the front of the shelf.

One exemplary embodiment provides for the introduction of existing merchandising systems by providing a trackless pusher system operated by gravity fed merchandising systems (i.e., sloped shelves or trays) and gravity fed merchandising systems ≪ / RTI >

An exemplary embodiment relates to a product management display system for merchandising a product on a shelf. This embodiment includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that moves along the surface on which the article is placed. The trackless system overcomes the problems known by the use of tracks to hold and guide known pusher mechanisms. It should be understood, however, that the teachings of this embodiment can be used with systems that include tracks to which a pusher mechanism or the like is mounted.

The pusher mechanism may include a pusher paddle and a floor extending forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected to the rear of the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and forward of the shelf. Alternatively, a flat coiled spring or biasing element may extend across the divider in front of the shelf assembly. With this arrangement, the pusher paddles are prevented from being turned upside down or bent backwards during operation.

In addition, the exemplary embodiments may also be used in conjunction with gravity fed systems or systems that utilize gravity as a mechanism for urging the product toward the front of the shelf, as well as with horizontal or non-cylindrical shelves or surfaces, .

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pusher paddles can hold the paddles for pushing cylindrical products such as beverage bottles or cans, centered and behind the product on the track, and define the concave pushing surface. Alternatively, the pusher paddles can also define a flat pushing surface that may further include, at its upper edge, a curved rib or similar structure that can be used to push the cylindrical articles.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the floor of the pusher mechanism may include a notched or cut-away portion to align the pusher mechanism with respect to the coiled spring. The floor of the system may also include a notch or cut-away portion for receiving and mounting the flat end of the coil spring on the floor. The spring tip may be disposed at the end of the coiled spring to mount the coiled spring on the floor of the system. Alternatively, the end of the coil spring can be mounted on the partition of the assembly.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an adapter for a product management display system may be placed on the floor surface of the display system. The adapter may include a flat surface having two or more ribs extending outwardly from the flat surface in a substantially parallel manner and across the flat surface. The coil spring can be positioned between the ribs extending in parallel. With this structure, the product to be commoditized can be placed on the ribs as well as directly on the coil spring, enhancing the forward movement of certain types of product, such as beverage candles.

In yet another alternative aspect, the mounting member may be used to mount the end of the coil spring to the floor of the system. For such systems, including spaced glide rails joined together by connecting the ribs, the mounting member may be snap-fitted or otherwise mounted on the floor and between the glide rails.

In yet another alternative aspect, the trackless pusher system is retrofitted into an existing shelf assembly. This allows the placement of trackless pusher systems in existing shelf systems as a low cost alternative to purchase an entire trackless pusher assembly.

In another exemplary embodiment, the coil spring may be mounted to the retainer. The end of the coil spring may be mounted directly to the retainer or alternatively the end may be mounted to the retainer through the adapter. The adapter may have a curved surface portion received in a curved slot of a shape corresponding to the retainer to secure the end of the spring to the display assembly.

In another exemplary embodiment, the trays may be attached through a dovetail connection to form a shelf assembly. In addition, the dividers can be adjusted so that the widths of the product rows can be configured to accommodate products of different sizes.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the product management display system can be arranged in a stackable arrangement. The assembly is provided with a first tray and a second tray each having a first wall and a second wall. The first and second trays are each configured to receive a pusher mechanism, and a retainer mechanism. The first and second spacers are mounted on the first and second trays to stack the first and second trays on top of one another. The first and second spacers may be provided with a plurality of detents, each of the first and second trays being provided with a plurality of correspondingly shaped sockets for receiving a plurality of detents .

According to another exemplary embodiment, a product management display system for selling a product on a shelf includes a trackless pusher mechanism moving thereon along a surface on which the product is disposed, and one or more partitions for separating the product into rows . The one or more partitions can be attached to the front rail and releasably engage the front rail. When the one or more partitions are not held in position relative to the front rail without engaging the front rail, the one or more partitions and the product positioned on the display system may be moved laterally And can be raised from the front rail. This allows for ease of replanogramming of the product on the shelf. The one or more partitions can be releasably engaged with the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, elastic surfaces, locking tabs, locking bars, cams and / or friction or press fit fittings.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and one or more partitions configured to engage the front rail. Wherein the one or more partitions comprise a barrier and the one or more partitions further comprise a partition wall. The one or more partitions also include a partitioning wall perpendicular to the partitioning wall, wherein the partitioning floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the partition, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. (B) one or more compartments engage the front rail and are fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the cam is in the first position; (c) the one or more partitions are movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail; do. (B) one or more partitions engage the front rail and are fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when the cam is in the second position; (b) the one or more partitions are fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail .

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a plurality of partitions configured to attach to the front rail and the front rail to separate the product into rows. Each of the plurality of partitions comprising a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall and configured to hold the product, and a partition wall coupled to the partition and movable between a first position and a second position And a cam. Each of the plurality of partitions being movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, (b) each of the plurality of partitions engaging the front rail, and a cam for each of the plurality of partitions being in a first position And is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. Each of the plurality of partitions is fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, (b) each of the plurality of partitions engages with the front rail, and a cam for each of the plurality of partitions is provided at a second position And is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and one or more partitions configured to attach to the front rail, wherein the one or more partitions comprise a barrier, a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, Wherein the partition wall separates the partition floor into a first portion and a second portion and each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first position, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion, and a cam coupled to the one or more partitions, And the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. One or more partitions are moved in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position and one or more partitions are moved in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position And prevents movement along the front rail.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and at least one partition configured to be attached to the front rail, the at least one partition having a barrier configured to engage the front rail, a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, And a partitioning wall perpendicular to the partitioning wall, the partitioning wall being configured to hold the product. The display system may also include an elastic tab coupled to the partition and the elastic tab is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. The one or more partitions are secured in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the resilient tabs are in the first position. The one or more partitions move in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the elastic tab is in the second position.

In one example, the merchandise display system is a front rail, comprising: a front rail comprising one or more first projections and one or more first recesses; at least one partition configured to attach to the front rail, Wherein the at least one partition further comprises at least one second recess and at least one protrusion and wherein at least one second projection of the partition is between a first position and a second position, And the at least one compartment is configured to move in at least one compartment. Wherein said at least one compartment is configured such that when at least one first projection of said front rail engages one or more second recesses of said compartment and one or more second projections of said compartment are in said first position (a) parallel to said front rail (B) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. Wherein the at least one partition is configured such that when one or more first projections of the front rail engage one or more recesses of the partition and one or more second projections of the partition are in the second position (a) a lateral direction parallel to the front rail (B) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail, wherein the front rail includes one or more first projections and one or more second projections, and one or more second projections of the front rail are positioned between the first position and the second position . The merchandise display system also includes one or more partitions configured to attach to the front rail, wherein the one or more partitions include a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall and the partition wall, and one or more partitions further include one or more recesses. The one or more partitions are arranged such that when at least one first projection of the front rail engages one or more recesses of the partition and one or more second projections of the front rail are in the second position, (a) in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail (B) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. Said one or more partitions being configured such that when at least one first projection of the front rail engages one or more recesses of the partition and one or more projections of the front rail are in a second position (a), it is secured in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail (b) is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail, wherein the front rail includes a first projection and a second projection. The merchandise display system also includes at least one partition configured to be attached to the front rail, wherein the at least one partition includes a partition wall and a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall, the at least one partition defining a recess and a third And further includes a projection. And at least one of the second projection and the third projection is a movable projection which is movable between a first position and a second position. Wherein said at least one compartment is movable in a lateral direction parallel to said front rail when said first projection of said front rail engages a recess of said partition and said movable projection is in a first position, And fixed in a direction perpendicular to the rails. Wherein said at least one compartment is configured such that when said first projection of said front rail is engaged with a recess of said partition and said movable projection is in a second position, (a) is fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, (b) And is fixed in a vertical direction.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail and the front rail includes at least a first engagement member. The merchandise display system also includes one or more partitions configured to attach to the front rail, wherein the one or more partitions include a partition wall and a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall, wherein the at least one partition has at least a second engaging member . The merchandise display system also includes a third engaging member configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. Said one or more partitions being movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail (a) when the first engagement member of the front rail engages the second engagement member of the partition and the third engagement member is in the first position ) Is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. (A) being fixed in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the first engagement member of the front rail is engaged with the second engagement member of the partition and the third engagement member is in the second position, and (b) And fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes at least one compartment configured to engage a front rail and a front rail, wherein the at least one compartment includes a barrier, the at least one compartment further comprises a partition wall, Further comprising a divider floor perpendicular to the wall, wherein the divider floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the partition, wherein the cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The one or more partitions may be fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail when one or more partitions engage the front rail. The cam may inhibit movement of one or more partitions in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the second position As shown in FIG. The merchandise display system may include a handle for rotating the cam between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle for sliding the cam between the first position and the second position.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system includes a front rail defining a rail groove and a partition configured to engage the front rail. The partition includes a barrier, a partition wall, and a partition wall extending perpendicularly to the partition wall. The partitioning floor further comprises a top surface and a bottom surface for holding the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam rotatably coupled to the partition. The cam is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The cam extends below the bottom surface of the partitioning floor and forms a cam glide that contacts the front rail when the cam is in the first position. In operation, the partition is actuated in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam glide contacts the front rail, the partition is positioned such that the cam is in the second position and the rail groove of the front rail And is fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when contacting. According to this embodiment, the cam is always in contact with the front rail regardless of whether the cam is in the first position or the second position, whether in the position between the first position and the second position.

In an alternative embodiment, the cam includes a handle for rotating the cam between a first position and a second position, the cam being adapted to engage one or more groove walls in the rail groove when the cam is in the second position And may comprise one or more cam surfaces configured. Additionally, cam glides can form elongated planar surfaces. In addition, the merchandise display system may include a pusher mechanism having a pusher surface extending forwardly from the pusher surface and the pusher surface. A coil spring having a coiled end can be positioned behind the pusher spring and a free end of the spring can attach the pusher mechanism to the merchandise display system. Alternatively, the barrier may be configured to receive the free end of the coil spring. In another alternative embodiment, the front rail may form a ridge configured to engage a groove in the partition.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system includes one or more partitions configured to be attached to the front rail and the front rail. The one or more partitions may include a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the barrier and the front rail. The partition may include a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall and the partition wall separates the partition floor into a first portion and a second portion and each of the first and second portions is configured to hold the product. Additionally, the merchandise display system includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion and a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion. The merchandise display system includes a cam coupled to one or more partitions. The cam is configured to form a cam glide and to be movable between a first position and a second position. In operation, one or more partitions are moved along the front rail in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam glide contacts the front rail. In operation, one or more partitions are moved in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail and along the front rail when the cam is in the first position and the cam glide contacts the front rail, and one or more partitions move the cam in the second position And prevents movement along the side rails parallel to the front rails and along the front rails when the cam glides are not in contact with the front rails.

In one aspect, the first and second pusher mechanisms each include a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a coiled end and a free end. The coiled end is positioned behind the pusher surface and the free end attaches the first and second pusher mechanisms to the merchandise display system.

In an alternative embodiment, one or more partitions may form a partitioning engagement member and one or more front rails may form a front rail engagement member. The partitioning engagement member is configured to engage with the front rail engagement member. The partitioning engagement member may form the partitioning teeth portions on at least one surface of the partitioning engagement member. The front rail engagement member may form a front rail toothed portion on at least one surface of the front rail engagement member. The partition plates are configured to engage with the front rail toothed portions.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system includes one or more partitions configured to engage the front rail and the front rail. The one or more partitions include a barrier, a partition wall, and a partition wall perpendicular to the wall. The divider floor is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam coupled to the partition. The cam is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The cam forms a cam glide for raising the partition away from the front rail when the cam is in the first position. One or more partitions are secured to the front rail when the cam is in the second position and the cam glide moves away from the front rail. In one aspect, the one or more partitions are operated only in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail only in the plane of the shelf, and the one or more partitions are arranged such that the one or more partitions are not in a direction parallel to the front rail To the plane of the ship. In another aspect, the cam may include a handle for rotating the cam between the first position and the second position. Additionally, the cam glide can form a elongated planar surface having an edge that allows slidable movement of the cam glide relative to the front rail.

In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display system may include one or more partitions configured to engage the front rail and the front rail. The partition may include a barrier, a partition wall, and a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall configured to hold the product. The front lock can be coupled to the partition. In one aspect, the front lock may be configured to rotate, pivot, or move between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the front lock can allow slidable movement of the partition relative to the front rail. In an alternative embodiment, the front lock may be lifted off the front rail from the partition. When in the second position, the front lock locks the partition to the front rail and prevents slidable movement between the partition and the front rail.

Figure 1 illustrates an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism mounted on an exemplary tray or product channel of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with the product placed in the system.
Figure 4 shows another isometric view of the system of Figure 2 with multiple products deployed in the system.
Figure 5 shows an isometric back view of the system of Figure 4;
Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a tray or product channel of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary tip for an end of a coiled spring that may be used with the product management display system of the present invention.
Figure 8 shows the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted on the surface of a tray or product channel.
Figure 9 shows the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted on the end of the coil spring.
Figure 10 shows the exemplary tip of Figure 7 mounted to the end of the coil spring.
Figure 11 shows an isometric view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.
Figure 12 shows another isometric view of the system of Figure 11;
Figure 13 shows a front view of the system of Figure 11;
Figure 14 shows a top view of the system of Figure 11;
Figure 15 shows a rear view of the system of Figure 11;
Figure 16 shows an isometric view of an adapter that can be used with the present invention.
Figure 17 shows a front view of the adapter of Figure 16;
Figure 18 illustrates an exemplary installation of an adapter of the present invention.
19 shows an isometric view of an adapter provided in the present invention.
20 shows a front view of an adapter installed in the present invention.
Figure 21 shows an isometric view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.
Figure 22 shows an isometric bottom view of an exemplary mounting member that can be used to mount the end of the coil spring to the floor of a display system.
Figure 23 shows an isometric top view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22;
24 illustrates an exemplary mounting member of FIG. 22 mounted to an end of a coiled spring having an annular spring mounted to an exemplary pusher paddle.
Figure 25 shows another view of the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 mounted to an end of a coiled spring having an annular spring mounted on an exemplary pusher paddle.
Figure 26 shows the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 with an annular spring mounted on the floor of the system.
Figure 27 shows the exemplary mounting member of Figure 22 installed in the floor of the system.
28 shows an isometric view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention.
Figure 29 shows an enlarged isometric view of the tray of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28;
29A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 28 illustrating a first anchoring method.
FIG. 29B shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 28 illustrating a second fastening method.
Figure 30 shows an enlarged isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 illustrating the riveting of a spring to a tray.
Figure 31 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 assembled to a conventional wire shelf.
Figure 32 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 28 assembled to a conventional wire shelf.
33 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
34 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
35 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter.
36 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer.
37 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
Figure 38 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
Figure 39 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
40 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
41A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a partition.
41B shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
Fig. 41C shows an enlarged view of the section of Fig. 41B.
41D shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a partition.
Figure 42 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
Figure 43 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a display system.
Figure 44 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
Figure 45 shows another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system by product in a system.
46 shows a top view of another exemplary system of a product management display system having a product in the system.
47 shows an isometric back view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system having a product in the system.
Figure 48 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a pusher mechanism mounted in a partition.
Figure 49 shows another isometric view of the partition and pusher mechanism being assembled into the product management display system.
Figure 50 shows an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
Figure 51 shows another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of Figure 50 without the product.
Figure 52 shows an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of Figure 50;
Figure 53 shows an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system.
54 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of a pusher spring to the shelf of the product management display system of FIG.
Figure 55 shows an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of a pusher spring to the shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53;
Figure 56 shows an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of a pusher spring to the shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53;
Figure 57 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary attachment of a pusher spring to the shelf of the product management display system of Figure 53;
58 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 59 shows an isometric view of the exemplary product management display system of Figure 58;
60 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
61 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary partition according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
62 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary compartment and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
63 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary forward portion of a compartment according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
64 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary forward portion of a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
65 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary connection between a partition and a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
66 illustrates a side view of an exemplary partition and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
67A-67C show side views of an exemplary partition attached to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
68A-68C show side views of an exemplary partition attached to the front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 69a shows an isometric view of exemplary rail mounting clips for the front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 69b shows an isometric view of an exemplary front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figure 70 illustrates an isometric view of exemplary front rail and rail mounting clips in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
71 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
72 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary compartment and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
73 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary partition and pusher mechanism in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
74 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary partition according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
75 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary front rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
76A and 76B show partial isometric views of an exemplary front rail and cam bar lever in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
77 illustrates a front exploded view of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
78 illustrates a rear exploded view of an exemplary product management display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
79A-C illustrate side views of exemplary front rails and partitions in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
80 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
81A and 81B show partial side views of exemplary front rails and partitions according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 82a-c illustrate partial side views of exemplary front rails and partitions according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 83a-c illustrate partial side views of exemplary front rails and partitions in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
84A-84F illustrate an isometric view of an exemplary product management display system in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
85 illustrates a side view of an exemplary partition and front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
Figures 86a-86l illustrate views of components of an exemplary product management display system according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
87A-87C show side views of exemplary dividers and front rails according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
88A-88B illustrate isometric views of an exemplary compartment according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
89A-C illustrate side views of an exemplary partition attached to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
90A-90F illustrate views of an exemplary partition attached to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
91A shows a view of an exemplary partition and rear rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
92 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary compartment and rail according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
93A and 93B illustrate views of an exemplary partition mounted to a front rail in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.
94A-94C show cross-sectional views of movement of an exemplary cam used in partitions and front rails according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

Before the embodiments of the invention are described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the arrangement and the arrangement of the elements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of " including "and " comprising" and variations thereof mean inclusion of additional items and equivalents thereof as well as items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. The use of the term "mounted ", " mounted ", or" mounting "also encompasses any technique or method of mounting, attaching, coupling, or coupling one component to another, either directly or indirectly, .

The present invention may be embodied in various forms. Referring to the drawings in which like numerals refer to like elements, FIG. 1 depicts a conformal exploded view of an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary sales system 10 includes a product supply tray 12 on which is mounted a pusher mechanism 14 without an exemplary track. As will be described in more detail below, the pusher mechanism 14 will be fitted to the tray 12 and is configured to use tracks, rails, or guides conventionally used to hold a conventional pusher mechanism at the bottom of a tray or tray It will slide along the surface of the tray. The pusher mechanism forms a pusher paddle and a pusher floor extending forward of the pusher paddles. A coiled spring may extend across the pusher floor and be operatively connected to the tray at a forward position of the tray. In one aspect of the invention, the product to be sold can be placed in the front tray of the pusher paddles and can be seated on the coiled spring as well as on the pusher floor. With this arrangement, the weight of the product will be prevented from being tapped to ensure proper pushing of the product by the pusher paddles. In addition, the problems associated with debris or sticky materials that hinder the effects of known pusher systems using tracks, rails, or guides are eliminated. Other aspects, embodiments and features of the present invention and teachings thereof will be set forth in more detail hereinafter.

The exemplary tray 12 forms a surface 16 and one or more divided panels or dividers 18 to separate the tray into a plurality of rows for placement of the product. In an alternative embodiment, the tray 12 may be a shelf or any other surface on which the products can be placed for sale. The surface 16 can be a solid surface or a surface forming a plurality of spaced holes 20 separated by a plurality of support ribs 22. Holes 20 and ribs 22 allow for slidable movement of the product that rests on these surfaces and also provide a surface through which liquids and dirt pass through apertures 20 so that they are not collected on surface 16 . The surface 16 may be made of any suitable material that allows for slidable movement of the article on the surface 16. Other surface or floor configurations are known and may be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

As depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, the surface 16 may form a rounded end portion 24 that includes a notch or cutout portion 26. The end portion 24 may be rounded to match the shape of the product placed in the tray. For example, the depicted end portion 24 forms a semicircular shape to match the contour of a bottle or can that is round but may be placed in a tray and may be in the end portion 24. Other shapes of the end portion may be used by the present invention depending on the product being sold.

A notch 26 may be used to receive and mount the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 or similar biasing element. The notches 26 may form opposing angled edge surfaces 32 that are joined by edges 34. The edge 34 is preferably centered across the width of the product line formed in the tray 12 and extends perpendicularly to the length of the tray. This configuration will center the coiled spring 30 relative to the tray 12 and allow the spring to extend in a substantially parallel manner with respect to the length of the tray. In other words, the depicted edge 34 of the notch 26 will allow the spring 30 to extend along the length of the tray 12 at or near the center of the product line formed by the tray. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the location and configuration of the notches may vary with the preferred arrangement of the springs.

The coiled spring 30 may form an end 29 that is configured to rest across the notch 26 and onto the edge 34. In one aspect, the end 29 of the coil-like spring may be V-shaped and the end 29 may be formed by a portion of the end 29 of the coiled spring that extends below the end portion 24 of the surface 16. [ And can function as a hook to wrap around edge 34. This configuration allows easy installation of the coiled spring onto the tray.

In another aspect, and with reference to FIG. 7, a spring tip 60 may be added to the end 29 of the spring 30 to assist in mounting the spring in the system. The spring tip 60 may be formed in numerous shapes and configurations depending on the configuration of the tray and the surface on which the spring ends need to be attached. The spring tip 60 may be permanently attached to the end 29 of the coiled spring 30 or may be removable to permit replacement or replacement of the spring tip 60. The spring tip 60 can be made of plastic and can form one or more holes. The hole 61 can be used to receive the end 29 of the coil spring 30. A second hole 63 may be used to receive a mating tongue or mounting member 65 extending from the surface 16 of the tray 12 as discussed below. With this arrangement, the end portion 29 of the coil spring 30 can be operatively connected to the tray 12. [

In another aspect, the end 29 of the coiled spring may snap fit into an aperture formed in the surface 16, or else the aperture of the tray may be inserted and secured in the aperture, Is secured in place.

Referring again to Figure 1, partitions 18 may also be used to separate products into rows. The partitions 18 extend substantially upward from the surface 16 and may be located on opposite sides of the surface 16 as illustrated in Fig. Alternatively, the partitions 18 may be located at any desired location on the tray 12 or on the surface 16. [ The partitions 18 may be formed as a unitary structure with a surface 16 or the partitions 18 may be removable to provide additional flexibility to the system. The partitions may be attached to the front or back rail depending on the system. The dividers 18 may form numerous configurations and may extend upward at any desired distance to provide the desired height of the partitions between the rows of product to be sold. Such height may be adjustable by adding partition extensions or the like.

One or more product retaining members 44 may be located on the front of the tray 12 and extend between the dividing walls 18. [ The product retention members 44 may act on the front retaining wall or bar to hold the product in the tray 12 and to prevent the product from falling off the tray 12. [ These members are also configured to allow the removal of an easy frontmost product positioned in the tray 12. [ The product retention member 44 may be one or more curved retention ribs as depicted in Fig. These illustrated retaining ribs can extend from one compartment to another, thereby combining the compartments. The retaining ribs may also extend partially in part between the partitions as shown also in Fig. 1 as ribs 46, to further assist in retaining the product in the tray. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 6, the product retention member 44 may be a curved solid retention wall 48 extending between the partitions. Retaining wall 48 may be transparent or translucent to allow visualization of the product of the shelf. In other embodiments, retention wall 48 may also extend partially between compartments 18. In another embodiment depicted in Figures 11-15, retention wall 100 may be attached to the surface of the tray and may not be connected to the dividers. In this embodiment, the retaining wall 100 includes an upper member 104, opposing curved side walls 106 that further form an angled edge 108, and an opening 102 defined by the bottom member < RTI ID = 0.0 > 110. & Can be formed. The sidewalls 106 may also be straight or not curved depending on the system. The end of the coiled spring may also be snap fit into the bottom 110 or otherwise attached to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous features and configurations for the product retention member 44 are possible and that the depicted arrangements are merely exemplary embodiments of such a number of configurations.

Referring again to FIG. 1, an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 forms the pusher paddle 50 and the pusher floor 52. The pusher paddles 50 and pusher floors 52 may be formed as a single structure or may be separate structures joined together using known techniques. In addition, the pusher paddles 50 and the pusher floor 52 may be made of any known suitable plastic or metal material. The pusher paddle and pusher floor may be reinforced using any known reinforcement techniques.

In one aspect, the pusher paddle 50 includes a curved pusher surface or surface 54 (FIG. 3) configured to match the shape of the product being sold, such as plastic bottles or cans, ). The curved pusher surface 54 allows the pusher to remain centered and aligned with the end product of the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the pusher and partition walls. In an alternative embodiment, the pusher surface or surface may be a flat surface. In another aspect, a flat pusher surface is positioned at or near the tops of the pusher paddles and has a curved shape that can be used to center and align the product in the tray in a manner similar to the curved pusher surface 54 depicted in FIG. 1 A rib can be involved. The curved ribs may form other shapes and configurations that allow cylindrical or similar shaped articles to be properly pushed into the tray. Advertisements, product identification, or other product information may be placed on the pusher surface 54.

One or more support members 58, such as ribs, walls or gussets, may be positioned behind the pusher surface or surface 54. The support members 58 are configured to support the pusher surface 54 and also to connect the pusher paddles 50 to the pusher floor 52. 5, the coiled spring 30 and, more specifically, the coiled end 57 used to force the pusher paddle 50 forwardly and accordingly along the tray 12, Are positioned behind the support members 58 as is understood in the art. Any technique used to operatively connect a coiled spring to the pusher paddle 50 may be used with the present invention.

1, the pusher floor 52 may be positioned below the pusher paddles 50 and extend forward of the pusher surfaces 54 of the pusher paddles. The pusher floor 52 may extend at any predetermined distance and at any predetermined angle. For example, the pusher floor 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to the pusher surface 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the pusher floor 52 may extend a distance sufficient to allow one product, such as one bottle or can, to be placed on the pusher floor. In another aspect, the pusher floor 52 may be configured to allow more than one product to rest on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 52 may form any shape including the depicted rounded shape and may form any product retaining features of the surface of the pusher floor such as ribs, walls, etc. to further maintain the product on the pusher floor have.

2, the pusher floor 52 can form an elongate channel, groove, or recessed portion 59 that is sized and configured to seat the coiled spring 30 . In an exemplary embodiment, the channel or groove 59 may extend across the bottom 52 and in a substantially vertical manner with respect to the pusher paddle 50. In an alternative embodiment, the grooves or channels may extend across or partially in the entire pusher floor 52, as shown in FIG. This arrangement allows proper alignment and positioning of the pusher paddles 50 in the tray. The groove 59 may form a depth that matches or exceeds the thickness of the coil spring 30. With this arrangement, the coiled spring 30 will be mounted on or under the pusher floor surface, so that the product will not be directly seated on the coiled spring, but rather such product will rest on the pusher floor surface. As shown in FIG. 19, the pusher floor may include holes or openings through which debris or other items may pass. Alternatively, the bottom may be a solid surface.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, adapter 180 may be positioned on surface 16, as shown in Figs. 16-20. 16 and 17, the adapter 180 may include one or more raised ribs 182 on which the product may rest. The raised ribs 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of the adapter 180. The adapter 180 may be a flattened protrusion of a plastic material (or any other suitable material) that forms a flat surface 184 and one or more ribs 182 extend outwardly from the planar surface 184 . The adapter 180 may include a notch or incision portion 186 that may form a rounded end 185 and may extend across or across the coiled spring. The rounded end 185 can be configured to match the shape of the product placed in the tray. Other shapes of end 185, notch 186 and adapter 180 may be used with the present invention depending on the product being sold. The adapter 180 may be a separate insertable piece or alternatively may be a piece integrally formed with the surface 16.

18, the adapter 180 may be readily insertable onto the surface 16 and between the partitions 18. 19, once the adapter 180 is installed, the pusher mechanism 14 can be located at the top of the adapter 180 and slide freely across the ribs 182 of the adapter 180. A coiled spring 30 may extend in a parallel manner between the ribs 182 and may be seated at or below the top surface of the rib 182, as is more clearly shown in FIG. With this arrangement, the product to be sold can be placed on the ribs 182 rather than the coiled spring 30 and can slide along.

In alternate embodiments, the ribs 182 may be raised beads or raised beads, or may be a series of fingers that may be used to facilitate movement of the product of the surface 16. In another alternative embodiment, the ribs 182 may be runners that allow the product to roll across the rolling elements and toward the front of the product display system, or one or more rollers or rollers Moving members. Exemplary roller assemblies are described in U. S. Patent Application Serial No. 60 / Including what is disclosed and described in commonly assigned U.S. Serial No. 11 / 257,718, which is incorporated herein by reference. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are many possible techniques that can be used with the pusher mechanisms described to facilitate movement of products on the shelf or floor.

The lower side of the pusher floor 52 may be a smooth, planar surface to be freely slid along the surface 16. Alternatively, and similarly to the above, the pusher floor 52 may include beads, runners, rollers, etc. that allow the pusher floor to slide up from the surface 16, . In another alternative embodiment, the lower side of the pusher floor may be configured with rail mounting members that allow mounting of the pusher relative to the track or rail, as is understood in the art.

The pusher floor also defines a notch or cutout portion 62 through which the coiled spring 30 will pass. The end 29 of the coiled spring 30 will pass through the notch 26 and the notch 26 in the surface 16 and will be mounted to the tray using any of the techniques described above.

The end 29 of the coiled spring 30 will be held in the position as described above and the coiled end 30 of the spring 30 will remain in the position as described above because the pusher mechanism 14 is forced in use to the rear of the tray 12. [ The coil 57 will begin to unwind behind the pusher paddle 50. When the pusher 14 is allowed to move forward in the tray 14, such as when the product is removed from the front of the tray, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 will be coiled and the pusher paddle < (50) in the tray (12), thereby urging the product toward the front of the tray.

In an alternative embodiment, the coil spring 30 may extend below and under the pusher floor 52 across the pusher floor and against the top as shown in the figures. With such a configuration, the groove 59 and the notch 62 may be unnecessary.

The coil spring 30 may be any deflection element including, but not limited to, a flat coil spring commonly used in pusher systems. The present invention may use one or more coil springs for urging the pusher mechanism 14 forward in accordance with the preferred application. The tension coil spring 30 may also be varied depending on the particular application.

Referring to FIG. 2, a mooring pusher mechanism 14 is shown mounted to the tray 12. As illustrated, the pusher mechanism 14 is fitted to the tray 12 between the dividers 18. The end 29 of the coil spring 30 extends through the notch of the pusher floor and is mounted to the tray as described above. In use, the pusher mechanism 14 will slide along the surface 16 of the tray 12 without the use of tracks, rails, or guides. As shown in Fig. 2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in the forward position.

Referring to FIG. 3, a pusher mechanism 14 is shown for selling one product 70 within a commodity system 10. The product is prevented from being poured from the tray by the product- The product 70 may be any product to be sold, including the illustrated beverage bottle. As shown in this figure, the product 70 is placed on the coil spring 30 and the pusher floor 52 extending below the product. The weight of the product on the pusher floor 52 and the positioning of the product across the spring 30 prevent the paddle 50 from spilling in the tray 12. [

Referring to Fig. 4, there is shown a pusher mechanism 14 loaded with multiple products 70 sold in merchandise system 10. As shown in this figure, the product following the pusher paddle 50 is placed on the pusher floor 52 and the coil spring 30 extending below the product. Other products are placed on the coil springs 30 to be extended below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned within the merchandise system, in which case the product is placed on the ribs 182 of the adapter as opposed to the coil spring. Again, the weight of the product of the pusher floor 52 and the positioning of the products across the spring 30 prevent paddles 50 from pouring out of the tray. In use, when one product is removed from the front of the tray near the product-retaining member 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (via the compression of the coil spring 30) The remaining product will be pushed forward in the tray 12 until it contacts. When the additional product is removed, the pusher mechanism 14 will continue to push the remaining product toward the product-retaining member 44.

5, there is shown a rear view of a pusher mechanism 14 in which the pusher mechanism 14 loads multiple products 70 into the merchandise system 10. As shown in FIG. Again, the product following the pusher paddle 50 is placed on the coil spring 30 and the pusher floor 52 extending below the product. Other products are placed on coil springs that will extend below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be positioned within the merchandise system, in which case the product is placed on the ribs 182 of the adapter as opposed to the coil spring. When one product is removed from the front of the tray near the product-holding member 44, the end 57 of the coil spring 30 is pushed until the forefront product contacts the product-holding member 44 until the pusher mechanism 14 Will push the pusher paddles 50 in the tray 12 forward. As can be seen in this figure, the coil spring end 57 can be positioned between the two support members 58. The support members will hold the coil spring between these support members. As can be seen in this figure, the pusher floor 52 can also extend below the support member 58.

Referring to Fig. 6, an alternative embodiment of a pusher tray is shown. By this embodiment, multiple trays 12 can be formed inside a single multi-tray assembly 80. The multi-trays may have a floor that is common with partitions 18 that extend upwardly from the floor to form multiple trays or rows. In this embodiment, the product-retaining member 44 may be a solid member extending between the two partitions as discussed above. One or more assemblies of the multi-tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or coupled together in a concurrent fashion using any known technique, including clips, dovetails, fasteners, and the like. With this arrangement, a plurality of rows of products can be provided for the sale of a plurality of products.

As described above, the mooring pusher mechanism 14 may be used with gravity-transfer systems, i.e., systems with trays or product channels that are mounted obliquely to help gravity load the product. Alternatively, the non-orbital pusher mechanism 14 may be used in conjunction with a non-sloping or horizontally mounted system in which gravity will help little or no help in loading the product. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 can also be used to push various shaped products.

Figure 7 shows an exemplary tip 60 for an end 29 of a coil spring 30 that may be used with a commodity system 10. The tip 60 is formed with a hole 61 for receiving the end 29 of the coil spring and a hole 63 for mounting to the surface 16 of the tray. As can be seen in Figure 7, in one aspect of an alternate embodiment, a tongue portion (not shown) may be configured to mate with the hole 63 and snap-fit the leading edge 60 onto the tongue- Or the mounting member 65 may extend below the surface 16.

Referring to Fig. 8, there is shown an exemplary tip 60 of Fig. 7 to be mounted to a tongue or mounting member 65. Fig. The tongue-like portion 65 may include an elongated outer extension rib 67 used to snap-fit the tip portion 60 to the tongue-shaped portion 65. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques may be used to mount the tip 60 to the surface 16 and that the illustrated technique is but one exemplary embodiment of such a technique.

9, there is shown an exemplary tip 60 that is fully mounted in a snap-fit manner to surface 16 and more particularly to end portion 24 of surface 16 of tray 12 . It is also shown that the end portion 29 of the coil spring 30 is attached to the hole 61 of the distal end portion 60. As shown in Fig. 9, the end 29 of the coil spring can be inserted inside the hole 61. Fig. The hole 61 is formed in such a situation that it is desirable to receive the end 29 of the coil spring to secure the end 29 in position and to separate the coil spring from the tip to permit removal of the pusher mechanism 14 from the system To allow the removal of the end 29 of the coil spring from the hole 61 in the openings.

Referring to Fig. 10, an end 29 of a coil spring is shown that is fully mounted to the exemplary tip 60. Fig. The coil spring 30 is now operatively connected to the surface 16 of the tray 12, as illustrated in this figure. As a result, the pusher mechanism 14 is now mounted on the tray 12.

21-27, an alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to the merchandise display system is shown. The mounting member 130 may be used to mount the end 29 of the coil spring to the floor 131 of the system. For such a system that includes spaced apart glide rails 132 that are coupled together by connecting the ribs 134 (Figures 26 and 27), the mounting member 130 is mounted to the floor 131 and to the glide rails 132 Can be snap-fit coupled or otherwise mounted. The mounting member will thus fix the end of the coil spring in place and to the floor of the system.

22 and 23, the mounting member 130 may include one or more legs 136 on one or more sides of the mounting member 130. As shown in FIG. The legs may be configured to snap-fit underneath the rails 132 thereby securing the mounting member 130 to the floor of the system. The legs 136 are configured to contact the underside of the rails 132 and are configured to prevent the mounting member 130 from being lifted from the floor except that the legs are intentionally bent outwardly from below the rails 132 , An L-shaped surface, or leg ends 137 formed with angled surfaces. The legs 136 can contact the connecting ribs 134, which will prevent sliding movement of the mounting member 130 relative to the floor. Referring to Fig. 26, a mounting member 130 to be mounted on the floor of the system and, more particularly, on the rails is shown. Figure 27 illustrates that the mounting member 130 is held in position when the pusher paddle 141 is pulled away from the front of the system. The mounting member 130 may be connected to this type of system floor 131 using other techniques. For example, a separate mounting clip, one or more fasteners, adhesives, or other techniques may be used to secure the mounting member 130 to the floor 131.

22 and 23, the mounting member 130 may also include a hole or opening or slot 138 to receive the end 29 of the spring. The spring may be mounted using the techniques described herein or any of the other techniques. The configuration of the aperture 138 and the mounting member 130 will lock the spring in position on the mounting member 130 similar to the techniques described above.

The mounting member 130 may also include glide ribs 139 on the top surface that allow the product placed thereon to more easily slide across the mounting member after the mounting member is installed in the floor of the system. The mounting member 130 may also include an elongated flat body 140 that extends forward of the location of the legs 136 to provide stability to the mounting member 130 after being mounted to the floor of the system.

24, 25, and 27, the pusher paddle or pusher mechanism 141 can include a pusher surface 143 that is configured to match the shape of the product being pushed against it. As illustrated, the pusher surface 143 may be curved to match the shape of the bottle or other cylindrical object. The pusher paddle 141 may also include a pusher floor 145 similar to the pusher floor configurations described above. The pusher floor 145 may further include a spring sleeve 147 that receives the coil spring 30 to shield and protect the spring. Spring sleeve 147 may extend partially or completely in the direction of spring 30 and across pusher floor 145. The spring sleeve 147 may have a fairly short height and flat surface 149 that allows the product to be placed on top without noticeable collapse or damaging of the product.

The pusher paddle 141 may be located above the floor 131 to glide at the top of the surface, as described above. The pusher paddles may be positioned between two product partition walls 153 joined together by the product holding member 155. Additional product retaining members 157 may extend outwardly from the product compartments.

28 and 29, another alternative technique for mounting the end 29 of the coil spring 30 to the merchandise display system is shown. In this embodiment, the end portion 29 is riveted to the tray 216.

28-32, an alternative embodiment of the invention can be retrofitted to a conventional shelf assembly 230, and the shelf assembly can have already built-in product compartments. For example, in one embodiment, a moored pusher system can be retrofitted to existing wire shelf assemblies. Referring to Figures 30-32, the tray or adapter 216 may have a glide floor 222 that may be the size of a single lane of the shelf 234 or the size of the entire shelf width. The glide floor 222 may include a plurality of upstanding ribs 224 that help reduce friction on the products loaded on the tray 216. It should be understood that one or more lifting ribs 224 can be used with a single floor 222. Alternatively, the glide floor 222 may be a flat, flat surface without raised ribs. The tray or adapter 216 may be configured similar to the adapter 180 of FIG.

28 and 30, the end 29 of the coil spring 30 may be riveted to the front end 228 of the tray 216 via the rivet 229, As shown in FIG. The tray 216 may be held on the shelf by any attachment technique suitable for the particular shelf. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 29-32, the tray 216 may include one or more individual wires 232 of the shelf 234 to hold the tray 216 on the shelf 234. [ And may include one or more outwardly extending fingers or snaps 220 that can engage. The fingers or snaps 220 may extend longitudinally along the tray 216 or be spaced apart along the length of the tray. Snap 220 may be used to snap-fit the tray 216 to an existing wire shelf. As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the snaps 220A and 220B can form a number of configurations that allow the tray 216 to be snap-fit coupled to the shelf. The embodiment shown in Figs. 28-32 allows for the positioning of a non-orbital pusher system in an existing shelf system, such as a wire shelf system, as a low-cost alternative to an entire moored pusher assembly. It should be understood that any pusher mechanism described in the present invention may be used with this embodiment.

33 and 44, which are other exemplary embodiments, the shelf management system may include one or more pusher mechanisms 286, one or more partitions 266, one or more trays 306 ), And one or more retainers (250). The pusher mechanisms 286 may be formed of a pusher paddle 287 and a pusher floor 288. The product is placed on the pusher floor 288 and is guided forward through the partition 266 and the pusher paddle 287 to the shelf management system. The coil spring 30 deflects the pusher mechanism 286 toward the retainer 250 to move the product forward of the system.

In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the coil spring 30 may be mounted to the retainer 250. Alternatively, the coil spring 30 may be mounted in a partition 266 (also shown in Figures 48 and 49). The coil spring 30 can be mounted directly to the retainer 250 as shown in Figure 33 or can be mounted to the retainer 250 through the separation adapter 252 as shown in Figure 34. [

As shown in FIG. 35, the adapter 252 has a wall 254 near the first end 256. The first end 256 has a curved portion 262 bent upwardly. The middle portion of the adapter 252 may be provided with a curved slot 260 configured to receive a spring end (not shown) of a corresponding shape.

The coil spring 30 may be fixed at one end to the intermediate portion of the adapter 252. In an exemplary embodiment, the curved slot 260 corresponds to the shape and size of the first spring end. In addition, the first spring end of the coil spring 30 may be crimped or bent to provide additional fastening. Nevertheless, any sufficient fastening method can be used to secure the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the adapter 252. [

36 and 37, the retainer 250 has a curved slot 284 corresponding to the shape and size of the curved portion 262 of the adapter 252. As shown in Fig. The curved slot 284 extends the length of the retainer 250 to allow unrestricted positioning of the adapter 252 along the length of the retainer 250.

The curved portion 262 of the adapter 252 lies inside the curved slot 284 of the retainer 250 so as to secure the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the retainer 250. [ The curved slot 284 secures the adapter 252 and the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the retainer 250 and provides a quick and easy assembly of the display system. The wall 254 provides additional stability to the connection between the retainer 250 and the adapter 252. However, other methods may be used to secure the adapter 252 and / or the first spring end of the coil spring 30 to the retainer 250. [

Alternatively, the coil spring 30 of the pusher paddle 287 may be mounted directly in front of the tray 306, as shown in Figures 33 and 44. [ The first spring end 290 of the coil spring 30 is provided with a curved portion. The curved portion is bent downwardly from the pusher floor 288 and configured to be received within the recess 316 formed by the distribution tray 306 and the lip 318 of the front surface of the retainer 250 do. The vertically oriented surface and the lip 318 of the retainer 250 are spaced such that a gap is formed between the vertically oriented surface and the forward edge of the lip 250. The first spring end 290 is positioned on the inner side of the gap formed between the vertically oriented surface of the retainer 250 and the forward edge of the lip 318 to secure the coil spring 30 and the pusher mechanism 286 to the assembly. And is located inside the recess 316 defined by the lip 318 of the distribution tray 306 and the retainer 250. [

In another exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 38, 39, 48 and 49, the coil spring 30 can be mounted directly to the partition 266. [ In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the coil spring 30 can be mounted perpendicularly to the pusher floor 288 such that the axis about which the coil spring 30 is wrapped around is perpendicular to the pusher floor 288. This orientation has the benefit of preventing the pusher paddles from collapsing backwards. The first spring end 290 may be provided with an angled portion 292 and a tip portion 296. In one embodiment, the angled portion 292 can be bent perpendicularly to the coil spring body 294. The partition may be provided with a slot 298 configured to receive the tip portion 296 of the first spring end 290.

In order to secure the coil spring to the partition, the tip portion 296 is inserted into the slot 298. The angled portion 292 engages the slot 298 to secure the first spring end 290 to the partition 266 when the tip portion 296 is fully inserted into the slot 298. [

As shown in Figure 33, various pusher mechanism designs can be implemented. The pusher paddles 287 may be formed flat to accommodate products of a corresponding shape. Alternatively, the pusher paddle 286 may have a curved first portion and a flat second portion. Which serves to accommodate various cylindrical products having diameters of a variety of different sizes and to facilitate the operation of the pusher mechanism 286. During operation, the product and curved first portion of the pusher mechanism 286 together push the pusher mechanism against the partition 266 so that the coil spring 30 secures the first spring end 290 during tension or actuation And is maintained flat against the partition 266. This allows smooth operation of the pusher mechanism and ensures that the product is properly dispensed when users remove the product from the system.

In another exemplary embodiment, shown in Figures 40-41D, the distance between the dividers 266 can be adjusted to accommodate containers of different sizes. The dividers 266 may be provided with connection portions 272. [ The connecting portions 272 may be provided with an elongated first angled portion 268 and an elongated second angled portion 270. Also, a plurality of protrusions 274 may be provided in the connecting portions 272. [ As shown in FIG. 41B, the rails can be formed with teeth 278 having front surfaces 280 and flanks surfaces 282.

In assembly, the connecting portions 272 are received between the teeth 278 of the rails, as shown in Figure 41C. In addition, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 and the protrusions 274 are wedged between the teeth 278. 41C, the elongated angled surfaces 268 and 270 engage the front surface 280 and the protrusions 274 engage the lower surfaces of the teeth 278. As shown in FIG. The flanks 282 contact the connecting portion 272.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 42, the trays 306 are provided with dovetailed connections. The first side 308 of the trays 306 is provided with tongues 312 configured to fit within grooves 314 located on the second side 310 of the trays 306. In order to connect the trays, the grooves 314 are aligned with the tongues 312 so that the tongue-like portions 312 are securely fixed in the grooves 314. [

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 43, the trays 306 are configured to receive the retainer 250 at the front end. The retainers may be provided with rectangular holes 300, and the retainers are provided with protrusions 302 of a corresponding shape and size. In order to secure the retainer 250 to the tray 306, the protrusions 302 fit inside the hole 300 to lock the retainer in place on the tray 306.

45 to 47, after the product management display system is assembled, the product is loaded inside the system. By adjusting the dividers 266, a wide variety of product sizes and shapes can be loaded inside the system. 46 and 47, the coil spring 30 with the pusher paddle 287 pushes the product toward the retainer 250. As shown in FIG. As the user picks up the product from the system, the pusher paddle 287 pushes the rest of the product to slide the product along the floor 264 into the retainer 250. This ensures that all products are kept in front of the display system.

As shown in FIGS. 50-52, the product management display system 400 can be arranged such that the trays 402, 404 can be stacked up and down. The present embodiment generally comprises a first tray 402, a second tray 404, a first spacer 406, and a second spacer 408.

Trays 402 and 404 are each arranged to receive the product to be dispensed. The first tray 402 and the second tray 404 may be provided with a clear retainer 410, a pusher mechanism 412, first and second guide walls, and a coil spring 414, respectively.

The pusher mechanism 414 is arranged in a manner similar to the previous embodiments to slide the products along the surface of the trays 402, 404 while the product is being removed. In addition, any alternative arrangement of the pusher mechanism described above may be implemented with a stackable tray arrangement.

To provide for easy assembly and disassembly, the stackable product management display system may be provided with a dovetail connection or any other suitable connection such as, for example, a snap-fit connection, a screw-thread connection, or a rivet connection. The first and second trays are provided with detents 416 for assembling the first and second spacers 406 and 408 to the first and second trays 402 and 404. Each of the first and second trays 402 and 404 is provided with receptacles 418 for receiving correspondingly shaped detents 416 located in the first and second spacers 406 and 408, May be provided on the outer surfaces.

The detents 416 located in the first and second spacers 406 and 408 are positioned in the socket 402 of the corresponding shape of the outer surfaces of the first and second trays 402 and 404 in order to assemble the stackable product management display system, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 418 < / RTI > This provides stackable arrangements that may be implemented in connection with any of the embodiments described above.

In another exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 53-57, the pusher paddle 500 may be directly mounted to the shelf 508 and secured to the shelf by the end of the coil spring 504. The pusher paddle 500 will slide along and on top of the surface of the shelf. One or more partitions 502 that form a T-shaped configuration may be located after the pusher paddle 500. In another aspect, the base of the partition 502 can be positioned on the shelf such that its base is located below the pusher paddle 500. With this arrangement, the pusher paddle 500 can slide along the base of the partition. When the partition 502 is positioned sufficiently far away from the paddle 500, the paddle 500 will slide directly on the surface of the shelf 508. The partition 502 may form a number of configurations including those described in the present invention and may be secured to the shelf using any known technique, including pusher pins, rivets, fasteners, adhesives, and the like.

In one aspect, the end 510 of the coil spring 504 is positioned within a hole or hole 506 located in the shelf 508. The end portion 510 may form a spring tip that can further form any suitable configuration that allows the spring end to pass through the hole 506 and remain fixed in the hole. For example, the spring tip of the end portion 510 may form a hook-shaped configuration that allows the end portion 510 to wrap around the edges of the hole 506. Alternatively, the spring tip may form one or more catches that are hooked to the edges of the hole 506. Other spring tip configurations are possible.

Fasteners 512, pins, rivets, etc. may be used to further secure the spring 504 to the shelf 508, as shown in FIG. This fastener 512 will provide a second anchor point spaced apart from the spring to secure the spring in the desired alignment during full operation of the spring 504 because the paddle 500 moves back and forth on the shelf 508. [ It will be appreciated that much more anchor points are possible depending on the shape of the shelf and the number and spacing of holes present on the shelf.

Referring to Figures 55-57, an exemplary mounting technique for mounting the spring 504 of the paddle 500 to a shelf is shown. 55, the end 510 of the spring 504 is inserted into the hole 506 of the shelf. The shelf 510 may form a spring tip as described herein for securing the end 510 to the edges of the hole 506. 56, a spring 504 including a rivet or stud 514 in this embodiment is lowered into a shelf such that a rivet or stud 514 is fitted into another hole 506 located in the shelf . These rivets or studs provide another anchoring point for the spring. 56 and 57, the spring 504 may define a hole 516 that receives another rivet or stud 518 to further secure the spring 504 to the shelf. By means of these multiple anchoring points, the spring 504 will be fixed to the shelf, so that the paddle will be secured to the shelf. Also, with these multiple anchoring points, the springs will maintain the desired alignment during full operation of the springs because the paddles move back and forth on the shelf. It should be understood that other anchoring techniques, including any of the techniques described herein, or any combination of the techniques described herein, make it possible to secure the end of the spring 504 to the shelf. It should be understood that one or more holes may be drilled in the preferred positions of the shelf if the shelf does not have pre-existing holes that can be used to anchor the spring 504.

With the embodiment shown in Figures 53-57, the torsion pusher paddles can be retrofitted directly to the shelves of existing stores with minimal effort or extra mounting parts. This embodiment can also be easily removed so that the pusher paddles can be repositioned anywhere in the shelf to accommodate products of any size and shape to be loaded on the shelf. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that any pusher paddles described herein can be mounted directly on the shelf by using the techniques described herein or any combination of the techniques described herein.

In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 58, the display management system consists of one or more pushers 520, one or more partitions 550, and a front rail 580. The partition 550 and the front rail 580 are seated on the shelf. The pusher 520 may include a pusher surface 522 and a pusher bottom 524 as illustrated in FIG. The pusher surface 522 can be divided into an un-adjustable portion 526 and a pusher extension 528. Both the non-adjustable portion 526 and the pusher extension 528 can form a surface that can be used to contact the product on the shelf. Both non-adjustable portion 526 and pusher extension 528 can form smaller heights and depths. The pusher extension 528 can be adjusted from a position coplanar with and adjacent to the non-adjustable portion 526 as shown in FIG. The pusher extension 528 may be directed downwardly toward the pusher bottom 524 as shown in FIG. The pusher extension 528 is shown in Figure 60, including a position that is parallel to the pusher bottom 524 and a position that is directed upwardly away from the pusher bottom 524 and that is directed downwardly toward the pusher bottom 524, And can be adjusted to various positions as shown in FIG. In this way, the width or height of the pusher 520 can be effectively extended for products that are wider or larger.

The pusher extension 528 may be rotated about the axis on the upper portion of the pusher 520. [ Cutted wheel 532 (see FIG. 77) may be positioned behind pusher extension 528. The pusher extension 528 includes a protrusion (see protrusion 530 in FIG. 77) that fits within the cutouts in the cut wheel 532. As the pusher extension 528 rotates about the axis, the protrusion rotates in various spaces within the cut-outs in the cut-off wheel 532 similar to the pawl and ratcheting mechanism. Each cutout represents a separate position for the pusher extension 528. [ In each separate position, the pusher extension 528 can remain stationary, requiring a force to move the pusher extension 528 to a different position. In exemplary embodiments of the embodiment, the pusher extension can be rotated from a first position adjacent to the non-adjustable portion 526 to a position in one of a plurality of second positions that can be located within a range of approximately 180 degrees relative to the first position have. The degree of adjustment may vary depending on the number, size and spacing of the cut-out portions on the cut-out wheel. The pusher extension may form a lighter hole through the wall of the pusher extension to reduce the weight of the pusher extension and reduce the moment created about the axis of the pusher extension. The pusher extension can form a smooth or textured surface.

59, a biasing element, such as coil spring 534, may be retained within the rear portion of pusher 520. [ In one embodiment, the coil spring 534 may be positioned adjacent to the non-adjustable portion 526 of the pusher surface 522. The coil spring 534 may extend across the pusher bottom 524 as shown in FIG. In an embodiment, the pusher bottom 524 may include a channel 536 in which the coil spring 534 is seated. The channel 636 allows the product to be seated in the pusher bottom 524 with limited contact with the spring. The weight of the product lies in the pusher bottom 524 in this embodiment. The pusher bottom 524 may also include a channel-free surface.

In an embodiment, the partition 550 may comprise a partition wall 552, a bottom 554, and a barrier 556, as illustrated in FIG. In an example, partition 550 may not include a barrier. In an example, partition 550 may not include a bottom portion. The partition wall 552 may divide the partition bottom 554 into two portions 559,551 having one portion on each side of the partition wall 552. [ The partition wall 552 may also have a partition bottom 554 on only one side of the partition wall 552. As illustrated in Figure 77, partition wall 552 may extend vertically from partition bottom 554. The partition bottom 554 can be a flat surface. In an embodiment, partition bottom 554 may include a channel within a portion of partition bottom 554. The coil spring 534 may extend across the partition bottom 554. In an embodiment, the coil spring 534 may extend across the partition bottom 554 within the channel of the partition bottom 554. In this embodiment, the product would not rest on the coil spring 534 and would instead be placed on portions of the partition bottom 554 adjacent to the channel in the partition bottom 554. In another embodiment, partition bottom 554 does not include channels. In one example, a single pusher 520 may be positioned at one portion of the partition bottom 554 and a second pusher (see FIG. 84F) may be located at a second portion of the partition bottom 554. Thus, one partition 550 may include two pushers 520, one on each side of the partition wall 552.

Barrier 556 may be configured to inhibit pusher 520 and the product being pushed by the biasing element contained therein. The barrier 556 may be positioned in front of the partition wall 552 as illustrated in FIG. Barrier 556 may also be located behind the partition wall to prevent overfilling the product on the shelf. 59 and 77, the partition wall 552 can divide the barrier 556 into two parts. The barrier 556 may be perpendicular to the front end of the partition wall 552. In an embodiment, the barrier 556, partition wall 552, and partition bottom 554 are a single integral unit. These three elements may also be integral to each other. In the example, the barrier is separated from the partition. In the example, the barrier may or may not be integral with the partition. In another example, the barrier is configured to associate with the partition. In the example, the partition wall and the bottom of the partition are separate devices and may not be integral with each other or may be part of a single integral device. In the example, the partition wall and the bottom of the partition are configured to engage each other. In a further example, the barrier may be connected to the front rail 580 or may include a portion of the front rail 580.

As illustrated in Figure 61, the end 557 of the coil spring 534 may be located within the barrier 556. [ The end portion 557 of the spring can be folded at an angle to the rest of the spring. This angle may be 90 degrees or any other suitable angle that may be smaller or larger than 90 degrees. The end 557 of the coil spring can then be placed inside the slot 558 of the barrier 556. [ Once in the slot 558, the end of the spring 557 will remain in position and will help deflect the pusher 520 toward the barrier 556. The end portion 557 of the coil spring 534 may include a plurality of portions, each of which is angled relative to a previous portion of the coil spring (not shown) and which is positioned at a subsequent portion of the end of the coil spring bend. The plurality of bends may engage a plurality of slots or holes in the barrier 556, or other connection points on the partition 550 or the front rail 580. The plurality of slots or holes may coincide with the shape of the plurality of bends in the end portion 557 of the coil spring 534. The coil spring 534 may include a catch (not shown) at one end. The catch in the coil spring 534 may be configured to prevent the coil spring 534 from separating from the pusher 520, for example, as when the coil spring 534 is extended.

The pusher 520 may be connected to the partition 550 only by a coil spring 534. The pusher 520 can be seated at the top of the partition bottom 554 and slid across the bottom of the partition. The pusher 520 may be configured to be generally placed over the partition bottom 554 and not under the partition bottom 554 as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the pusher 520 may be picked up away from the partition bottom 554 as shown in Fig. The gravity and gravity of the product seated on the pusher bottom 524 holds the pusher 520 in the partition bottom 554. The product seated in the coil spring 534 also holds the pusher 520 in the partition bottom 554. The only integral connection between the pusher and partition may be the end of the coil spring 557 held in the slot 558 in the barrier 556. The partition wall 552 can be used to guide the pusher 520 when the pusher 520 is moved from front to back and back in the partition bottom 554.

The partition 550 can form a groove 560 or other recess in the lower portion of the partition. This groove 560 or other recess may be the shape of the inverted "u" as shown in FIG. 61 or may take other shapes. The groove 560 or other recess may extend across the entire width of the lower portion of the partition 550. In the example, the groove 560 or other recess may extend only along a portion of the width of the lower portion of the partition. Grooves 560 or other recesses may be used to engage the front rail, the front wall of the tray, or other structures. The term recesses used in the present invention may refer to grooves, slots, channels, indentations, depressions or other recesses extending inwardly.

The partition 550 can also form a plurality of teeth 562 or other projections. The teeth 562 or other protrusions may be located in the front portion of the barrier 556. [ As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 63, the teeth 562 may form a series of outwardly extending angled surfaces that meet or engage the apexes. As used herein, the term teeth includes any uniform, non-uniform, continuous, discontinuous, uniformly spaced, or non-uniform, non-uniform, non-uniform, Quot; may < / RTI > refer to an outwardly extending surface spaced apart. In addition, the toothed portion may form sharp, apexed, rounded, flat or polygonal ends, or any other suitable shape. In addition, the surfaces forming the shape of the toothed portion may be flat, convex, soft or textured, or any other suitable shape. In an embodiment, the teeth 562 are placed on an extension from the front portion of the barrier 556. The partition 550 may also form an elastic tongue or tab 564. The teeth 562 or other projections may be positioned on the elastic tabs 564. [ When a force is applied to the elastic tab 564, the teeth 562 or other projections can be moved in the direction of the force. When the force is removed, the teeth 562 or other projections will be moved back to their original shape. As used herein, the term protrusion may refer to a protrusion, an elastic tab, a tongue, a tooth or a plurality of teeth, ridges, knobs or other protrusions extending outwardly. The plurality of toothed portions may include a plurality of outwardly extending projections of the toothed portion and may include a plurality of inwardly extending indentations between portions of the outwardly extending plurality of toothed portions.

The front rail 580 may include a flat surface 582, a ridge or tongue 584 or other protrusion or engagement member, a channel or groove 586 or other recess or engagement member and a plurality of teeth 588, Member can be formed. The ridge or tongues 586 or other projections or mating members of the front rail 580 can be configured to engage the grooves 560 or other recesses or mating members of the partition. The ridges 584 or other protrusions or other mating members may fit within the grooves 560 or other recesses or mating members and the mats 550 may be mounted in a direction perpendicular to the ridges 584 or the front rails 580, (I.e., from the vertical) with respect to the front rail 584 or the front rail 580. The teeth 588 of the front rail 580 or other engagement members may be spaced apart. The front rail's teeth 588 or other mating member may engage teeth 562 or other mating members of partition 55 as illustrated in Figure 63 so that the mating portion is positioned on the front rail 580 in the lateral direction. The front rail's tooth 588 or other engagement member engages with the teeth 562 or other engagement member of the partition 550 and the partition 550 moves in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A " . As used herein, the term engagement member may refer to an article of protrusion, recess, flat surface, substantially planar surface, or other structure capable of engaging an article of another structure. The front rail may be a separate structure attached or coupled to the shelf. Alternatively, the front rail may be part of a tray forming one or more of the front, rear and opposite side walls. In this configuration, the front rail as described herein can be formed as part of the front or rear wall of the tray, which still achieves the objects of the present invention. That is, the front rails may be formed as part of the tray walls (or attached to the tray walls) and may receive and engage the partitions and pusher mechanisms using any of a variety of techniques described herein. The front rail also need not be located completely in front of the shelf. The front rail may be located at a position spaced back from the front of the shelf near the front of the shelf. In the example, the front rail may be located away from the front of the merchandise display system, at or near the rear of the shelf. The front of the shelf may not include the rail in the example.

When the elastic tabs 564 of the partition 550 are pressed or the force is placed on the elastic tabs in a direction away from the teeth 588 of the front rail 580, the partitioning teeth 562 of the partitioning tabs 588 < / RTI > When the teeth 588 on the front rail and the teeth 562 on the elastic tabs 564 are disengaged the partition 550 is moved in the lateral direction relative to the teeth 588 in the front rail 580 Quot; A "of Fig. Through the use of these elastic tabs 564, the products contained on merchandise system 10 can be re-displayed. When the partition 550 is moved in the lateral direction, the partition does not need to be rotated. Instead, the partition 550 is held in a plane parallel to the flat surface 582 of the front rail 580. Also, the partition 550 need not be lifted. The partition 550 can be simply moved in the direction indicated by the arrow "A" DP in Fig.

In an example, the merchandise display system includes one or more partitions 550 configured to engage front rails 580 and front rails 580. The one or more partitions 550 include a barrier 556 and the one or more partitions 550 further include a partition wall 552. The one or more partitions also include a partition bottom 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552, where the partition bottom 554 is configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 that is coupled to the partition 550, wherein the cam 720 is configured to move between the first portion and the second portion. One or more partitions 550 are movable in a lateral direction parallel to (a) the front rail 58 and (b) one or more partitions 550 engage the front rail 580 and the cam 720 engages the first And is fixed to the front rail 580 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. One or more partitions 550 are secured in a lateral direction parallel to (a) the front rail 580 and (b) one or more partitions 550 engage the front rail 580 and the cam 720 engages in the second position And is fixed to the front rail 580 in a direction perpendicular thereto.

In the example, cam 720 includes a handle that rotates cam 720 between a first position and a second position. In another example, the cam 720 may include a handle that allows the cam 720 to slide between a first position and a second position (not shown). The cam 720 may also include one or more cam walls configured to engage one or more of the groove walls in the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position. The cam 720 may also include a plurality of cam teeth shaped to engage a plurality of front rail teeth on the surface of the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position. The front rail toothed portion may be on the inner surface of the front rail 580. The merchandise display system may also include a pusher surface having a pusher bottom, a pusher bottom extending forwardly from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a coil end and a free end. The coil end of the spring can be positioned behind the pusher surface and the pusher mechanism can be attached to the merchandise display system only by the coil spring. The barrier may be configured to receive the free end of the coil spring. The front rail may form a front rail groove and the partition may form a partition ridge configured to engage the front rail groove.

In an example, a merchandise display system includes a plurality of partitions 550 attached to a front rail 580 and a front rail 580 and configured to separate products into rows. Each of the plurality of partitions 550 includes a partition wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, a partition bottom 554 configured to hold the product perpendicular to the partition wall 552, 550), wherein the cam (720) is configured to move between a first position and a second position. Each of the plurality of partitions 550 can be moved in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, (b) each of the plurality of partitions 550 is coupled with the front rail 580, When the cam 720 for each of the rollers 550 is in the first position. Each of the plurality of partitions 550 is fixed in the lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, and (b) each of the plurality of partitions 550 is coupled to the front rail 580, And is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 for each of the partitions 550 is in the second position.

In the example, each of the plurality of partitions 550 is configured to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the product is placed in the partition bottom 554. [ The forces on the outermost partitions of the plurality of partitions 550 are such that each of the plurality of partitions 550 is parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 for each of the plurality of partitions 550 is in the first position Where the force is in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and in a direction perpendicular to the partition wall 552 of the outermost partition.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes one or more partitions 550 configured to be attached to the front rail 580 and the front rail 580, and one or more partitions 550 may include a barrier, an extension extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail And a partition bottom 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552. The partition wall 552 separates the partition bottom 554 into a first portion and a second portion, The first portion and the second portion are each configured to hold the product. The merchandise display system also includes a first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion, a second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion, and a second pusher mechanism coupled to the one or more partitions (550) And the cam 7200 is configured to move between the first and second portions of the first rail 580. The one or more partitions 550 may include a first rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first position And the one or more partitions 550 resist movement in the lateral direction along and parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam is in the second position.

In an example, each of the first and second pusher mechanisms of the merchandise display system includes a pusher surface, a pusher bottom extending forwardly from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a coil end and a free end, Lt; / RTI > The first and second pusher mechanisms are attached to the merchandise display system only by coil springs. The one or more partitions may form a partitioning member and the one or more front rails may form a front rail engagement member, and the partitioning engagement member may be configured to engage with the front rail engagement member. The partitioning engagement member may form a toothing portion on at least one surface of the partitioning engagement member and the front rail engagement member may form a forward rail toothing on at least one surface of the front rail engagement member. The partition portion can be configured to engage with the front rail tooth portion.

The merchandise display system includes one or more partitions 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580 and the front rail 580 and one or more partitions 550 configured to engage the front rail 580. [ A partition wall 552 extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 and a partition bottom 554 perpendicular to the partition wall 552 wherein the partition bottom 554 is configured to retain the product do. The merchandise display system also includes an elastic tab coupled to the partition 550, and the elastic tab is configured to move between the first and second positions. One or more partitions 550 are secured laterally parallel to the front rail 580 when the elastic tabs are in the first position. One or more partitions 550 can be moved laterally parallel to the front rail 580 when the elastic tabs are in the second position.

In an example, partition 550 includes a plurality of toothed portions configured to engage front rail 580. The partition can be configured to engage a corresponding tooth on the front rail 580. The partitioning portion of the merchandise display system can be configured to engage with the resilient surface on the front rail 580.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580 that includes one or more first projections and one or more recesses, and a front rail 580 that is configured to be attached to the front rail 580 and that is perpendicular to the partition wall 552 and the partition wall 552 Wherein one or more partitions (550) further comprise at least one second recess and at least one second projection, wherein the at least one partition (550) comprises a partition bottom (554) 2 protrusion is configured to move between the first position and the second position. One or more partitions 550 may move laterally parallel to (a) the front rail 580 and (b) one or more protrusions of the front rail 580 may move toward one or more second recesses < RTI ID = 0.0 > And is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one second projection of the partition 550 is in the first position. The one or more partitions 550 resists movement in the lateral direction parallel to (a) the front rail 580, (b) one or more first projections of the front rail 580 engage one or more of the partitions 550 2 recesses and is secured in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one second projection of the partition 550 is in the second position.

In one example, one or more second projections of the partition 550 include a cam 720. One or more recesses of the front rail 580 may include a groove. One or more of the second protrusions of the partition 550 may include an elastic tab. One or more protrusions of the front rail 580 may include a tongue. One or more protrusions of the front rail 580 may include a plurality of teeth. At least one second projection of the partition 550 may include a tongue. One or more second projections of the front rail 580 may include a plurality of teeth. The merchandise display system may also include a plurality of teeth on the one or more protrusions of the front rail 580 and a plurality of teeth on the one or more second recesses of the partition 550. [

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, the front rail 580 includes one or more first projections and one or more second projections, and one or more of the front rails 580 The second projection is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system also includes one or more partitions 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580 and the one or more partitions 550 include a partition wall 552 and a partitioning wall 452 perpendicular to the partitioning wall 552 554, wherein the one or more partitions 550 further include one or more recesses. (B) one or more first projections of the front rail (580) are disposed in one or more recesses (524) of the partition (550), wherein the one or more partitions (550) And is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one second projection of the front rail 580 is in the first position. (B) one or more first projections of the front rail 580 are engaged with one or more recesses of the partition 550 and one or more projections of the front rail 580, And is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the at least one second projection of the front rail 580 is in the second position.

In one example, one or more first projections of the front rail 580 may include a tongue, and one or more recesses of the partition 550 may include a groove.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, and the front rail 580 includes a first projection and a second projection. The merchandise display system also includes one or more partitions 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580 and one or more partitions 550 include a partition wall 552 and a partition perpendicular to the partition wall 552 Floor 554, and at least one partition 550 further comprises a recess and a third projection. At least one of the second projection and the third projection is a movable projection that is movable between a first position and a second position. (B) the first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the recess of the partition 550, and the first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the recess of the partition 550. The one or more partitions 550 are movable in a horizontal direction parallel to the front rail 580, And is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the possible projection is in the first position. (B) the first projection of the front rail 580 is engaged with the recess of the partition 550 and is movable (i.e., And is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the projection is in the second position.

In one example, the movable projection of the merchandise display system may be a cap 720 or an elastic tab. The first projection of the front rail 580 may be a tongue-like portion, and the recess of the partition 550 may be a groove.

 In one example, the merchandise display system includes a front rail 580, and the front rail 580 includes one or more first engagement members. The merchandise display system also includes one or more partitions 550 configured to attach to the front rail 580 and one or more partitions 550 include a partition wall 552 and a partition wall 554 perpendicular to the partition wall And at least one partition 550 further comprises at least one second engagement member. The merchandise display system also includes a third engagement member configured to move between a first position and a second position. (B) a first engagement member of the front rail 580 is coupled to a second engagement member of the partition 550 and a second engagement member of the front rail 580. The one or more partitions 550 are movable in a horizontal direction parallel to the front rail 580, And is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the third engaging member is in the first position. (B) the first engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engaging member of the partition 550 and the third engaging member of the third And is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when the engaging member is in the second position. In one example, when the first engaging member of the front rail 580 is engaged with the second engaging member of the partition 550 and the third engaging member is in the first position, the one or more partitions 550 are only engaged with the front rail (Same as the shelf 596 shown in Figs. 70 and 71) only in the transverse direction parallel to the first and second shelves 580 and 580; One or more partitions 550 are secured to the plane of the shelf in all directions other than parallel to the front rail 580; One or more partitions 550 may not twist and splay the fish tails in the plane of the shelf; One or more partitions (550) are maintained perpendicular to the front rail (580).

In one example, the third engagement member may be part of the front rail 580 or part of the partition 550. In one example, the third engagement member may include a cam 720 or an engagement surface. In one example, the first engagement member of the front rail 580 is a projection. The merchandise display system also includes a pusher mechanism 520 having a pusher surface 528, a pusher floor 524 extending forward from the pusher surface 528, and a coil spring 534 having a free end and a free end . The coiled end can be positioned behind the pusher surface 528 and the pusher mechanism 520 is attached to the merchandise display system only by the coil spring 534. In addition, the merchandise display system may include a barrier configured to receive the free end of the coil spring 534.

In one example, the merchandise display system includes one or more partitions 550 configured to engage a front rail 580 and a front rail 580, one or more partitions 550 include a barrier 556, The partition further includes a partition wall 554 and the at least one partition further includes a partitioning floor 554 perpendicular to the partitioning wall 552 and the partitioning floor 554 is configured to retain the product. The merchandise display system also includes a cam 720 that is coupled to the partition 550 and the cam 720 is configured to move between the first and second positions. The one or more partitions 550 may be fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 when one or more partitions 550 are engaged with the front rail 580. The cam 720 can prevent movement of one or more partitions 550 in the transverse direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the first position. The cam 720 may allow movement of the partition 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 when the cam 720 is in the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle to rotate the cam 720 between the first position and the second position. The merchandise display system may include a handle (not shown) to slide the cam 720 between the first position and the second position.

Figures 67a-67c illustrate step by step examples of access to the arrangement of partitions into the front rail. To begin, the partition 550 is lowered into the channel 586 defined by the front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 67A. The force to lower the partition 550 into the channel 586 is such that the teeth 562 on the partition 550 contact the top of the front rail 580 and are directed toward the partition 550, Direction and move away from the front rail 580. As shown in Fig. The teeth 562 on the partition 550 may be ramped teeth as shown in FIG. The front rail 580 includes recesses 589 as illustrated in Figure 64 which are shaped to engage the teeth 562 on the partition 550. These recesses 589 are spaced apart by teeth 588 present on the front rail 580. When the partition 550 is further lowered into the channel 586 on the front rail 580 as illustrated in Figure 67c the teeth 564 of the partition 550 pass through the upper portion of the front rail 580 And moves into the recesses 589 in the front rail 580. [ When the teeth 564 on the partition 550 are in the recesses 589 in the front rail 580, the partition 550 is in the engaged position and in a state of receiving a normal amount of force It will not move in the lateral direction.

In one example, Figures 68a-c show a step-by-step approach to the arrangement of partitions in the front rail in different embodiments. The elastic tongue or tab 564 causes the teeth 562 on the tab 564 to be manually pushed backward to move backward toward the partition 550, as illustrated in Figure 68A, do. The axle style pivot allows the resilient tongue or tab 564 to be retained in a pushed back position and allows the teeth 562 to be held in position against the partition 550 . Thereafter, as illustrated in Figure 68B, the partition 550 is placed in contact with the front rail 580. [ The groove 560 of the partition 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580. At this point, the partition 550 can be moved laterally along the front rail and allow for ease of replanogramming. However, the partition 550 is not limited to the amount of play that is insignificantly small between the groove 560 of the partition 550 and the ridge or tongue portion 584 of the front rail 580, (I.e., parallel to the partition 550) and can not be moved in this direction. (The direction perpendicular to the front rail is indicated by arrow "B" in Figure 86h.) This slightly small amount of play may not be noticeable to the user of the system. The partition 550 is in contact with the front rail 580 and the groove 560 of the partition 550 engages the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580. However, (This shelf is indicated as 596 in Figures 70 and 71) only in a parallel lateral direction (i.e., the direction indicated by arrow "A" in Figure 65) relative to the front rail 580 Plane. The partition is fixed and non-movable in the plane of the shelf under normal operating forces in all other directions than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. The partition can not twist and spread the fish tail or otherwise move the plane of the shelf in a direction other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580. [ However, the partition 550 may move in a direction out of the plane of the shelf, such as the direction indicated by arrow "C" The partition 550 with or without the product on the partitioning floor 554 can slide in the direction previously indicated by the arrow "A" in FIG. 65 without requiring the partition 550 to be lifted. In the final step, as illustrated in Figure 68C, the elastic tongue or tab 564 is manually pulled away from the partition 550 manually forward. This movement causes the teeth 562 on the front partition 550 to fit within the recesses 589 in the front rail 580. The recesses 589 in the front rail 580 are spaced apart by the teeth 588 in the front rail. When the teeth 562 of the partition 550 contact the recesses 589 and the teeth 588 in the front rail 580, the partition 550 is engaged and receives a normal amount of force It can not move in the lateral direction.

In another example, the resilient tongue or tab does not include an axle style pivot that allows the resilient tongue or tab 564 to be retained in a retracted position. Instead, the resilient tongue or tab 564 is deflected toward the front rail 580 and away from the partition 550 so that when the force pushing the resilient tongue or tab 564 backward is removed, Or the tab 564 automatically returns to its rest position and can engage the front rail 580.

In one example, the partition 550 is disposed in contact with the front rail 580. The engagement member of the front rail 580 engages with the engagement member of the partition 550 and this member is movable relative to the front rail 580 in addition to the amount of the slight clearance or space between the engagement members that may not be noticeable to the user (The direction indicated by arrow "B" in Fig. 86H) relative to the front rail 580 and makes the partition 550 unmovable in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. The partition 550 is also secured to the plane of the shelf in all directions other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 (the direction indicated by arrow "A" in FIG. 65). The partition 550 can move in the plane of the shelf only in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. [ The partition 550 is fixed in the plane of the shelf in a direction other than the direction parallel to the front rail 580 under normal operating forces and conditions. However, the partition may be movable in a direction out of the plane of the shelf, such as the direction indicated by arrow "C" in FIG. 87B. When the partition is "fixed " in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580, this is because, except for a slightly small amount of clearance or space between the engaging members that may not be noticeable to the user, It is not movable under normal operating forces and conditions in a direction perpendicular to the rail 580. [ The direction perpendicular to the front rail is indicated by the arrow "B" in Fig. 86h. The front rail 580 or the second engagement member of the partition 550 is in the first position and the partition is moved laterally parallel to the front rail. Thereafter, the second engaging member is moved to the second position, which is in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580 (indicated by the arrow "A" in FIG. 65) The partition 550 is fixed. When the partition 550 is "fixed " in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, the partition 550 is laterally parallel to the front rail 580 in a state of receiving normal operating conditions and forces Can not move.

In one example, the plurality of partitions 550 are secured to the front rail 580 in a direction perpendicular to the front rail (direction indicated by arrow "B" Can be moved as a parallel group. Each of the plurality of partitions 550 may be disposed in contact with the front rail 580. The engagement member or plurality of engagement members of the front rail 580 engage the engagement members of each of the plurality of partitions 550 and this member may have a slightly smaller gap or clearance between the engagement members, Each of the plurality of partitions 550 is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 (the direction indicated by the arrow "B" in Fig. 86H) Thereby making it impossible to move in the direction perpendicular to the rail 580. Each of the second engagement members (or a plurality of second engagement members) of the front rail 580 or the partition 550 is in a first position such that a plurality of partitions 550 are positioned relative to the front rail 580 Allowing it to move laterally in parallel. The plurality of partitions 550 may form rows between the partitions 550 configured to hold the product. The product can be placed between two of the plurality of partitions 550 as shown in Figures 45-47. A force can be applied to the first partition in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. [ This force can move the first partition in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and cause the partition 550 to contact the product adjacent the first partition 550. [ (The product is shown in Figs. 45-47 as can or cartons and may take other shapes), the partition 550 is positioned in the same direction as the first partition 550, To force the product to move in parallel relative to the article 580. The force may move the article so that it is in contact with the second compartment 550 adjacent the article. The product can then force the second partition 550 to move in a direction parallel to the first partition 550 and the article, i.e., parallel to the front rail 580. The second compartment may then be forced to move the second product adjacent to the second compartment 550 in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. The second product may be forced to move the second product adjacent to the third partition 550 in a direction parallel to the front rail 580. [ In this way, a series of partitions 550 and all of the products are placed on the front rail 580 by a single force acting on only one of the partitions 550 or products in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 As shown in Fig. The second engagement member or members on the front rail 580 or on one of the plurality of partitions 550 are moved laterally parallel to the front rail 580 in a state of receiving normal operating conditions and forces, The partition 550 can not move in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 and the partition 550 can be moved in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 by another partition Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 550 < / RTI >

In the example, when the second engagement member is moved to the second position, the second engagement member prevents lateral movement of the partition 550 parallel to the front rail 580. The second engaging member prevents the partition 550 from moving laterally parallel to the front rail 580 in a state in which it is subjected to a force less than the predetermined amount of force. When the amount of force exceeding the predetermined amount of force is applied to the partition 550 laterally parallel to the front rail 580, the partition 550 moves laterally parallel to the front rail 580 .

In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 66, the thickness of the partitioning floor 554 varies. The thickness of the front portion of the partitioning floor 554 adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the front rail is less than the thickness of the rear portion of the rear partitioning floor 554 that is not adjacent to the flat surface 582 of the front rail. As shown in FIG. 67, the portion of the partitioning floor 554A is thinner than the portion of the partitioning floor 554B. The thickness of the front portion of the partitioning wall adjacent to the planar surface 582 of the front rail 580 is greater than the thickness of the rear portion of the partitioning floor 554 that is not adjacent to the planar surface 582 of the front rail 580. [ Gt; 25% < / RTI >

An embodiment as illustrated in Figures 69A and 69B includes mounting clips 590 for the front rail 580. [ As illustrated in Figure 69 (b), the front rail 580 includes a gap 592. This gap 592 may cooperate to be placed over the gaps 595 on the shelf 596 in a retail environment, as shown in FIG. The rail mounting clips 590 may be curved. In addition, the rail mounting clips 590 include a narrowed portion 594 at one end of the rail mounting clips 590. The rail mounting clips 590 can be inserted into the gap 595 on the shelf 596 into the wider rounded portion of the gap 592 in the front rail 580 in a retail environment as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the rail mounting clips 590 can be laterally shifted to a narrower portion within the gap 592 in the front rail 580. By switching by the rail mounting clips 590, the wider rounded portion of the rail mounting clips 590 will engage with the narrower portion of the gap 592 in the front rail and be locked in place. Thereby, the rail mounting clips 590 hold the front rail 580 in place and prevent the front rail 580 from moving laterally. If the shop shelf is a previously known shipping that can have holes, the rail mounting clips 590 can be inserted and locked into the front rail 580 prior to siphoning. Inserting the rail mounting clips 590 prior to the shipping may add ease of installation of the merchandise system in the shop environment.

In one or more embodiments, the height of the partition wall 552 may be greater than the height of the barrier 556, as shown in FIGS. 72 and 73. Figure 74 further displays the end 557 of the coil spring 534 held within the barrier 556. [ The end portion 557 of the spring 534 is bent at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to the remainder of the spring main body 534. [ End 557 is disposed within slot 558, which is retained within barrier 556.

In one embodiment, the partition 550 includes teeth 600 as illustrated in FIGS. 72 and 73. These toothed portions can be molded integrally with the partition 550. The teeth 600 are not held on the elastic tab or tongue, as in other embodiments. The teeth 600 are spaced apart from one another. The plurality of teeth 600 may be disposed on the partition 550 at the bottom of the front portion of the partition 550 and at the front of the barrier 556.

As illustrated in Figure 75, the front rail 610 may include a plurality of teeth 612. The teeth 612 on the front rail 610 are positioned on the teeth 600 of the partition 550 through the use of a cam bar 622 and a camming action on the front rail 610, As will be described in greater detail below. The front rail 610 also includes a tongue or ridge 616 and a substantially planar or planar surface 614 substantially perpendicular to the planar surface 614 as illustrated in Figure 75 . The front rail 610 further includes a cam bar lever 618 that moves the cam bar 622 within the front rail 610, as shown in Figs. 76A and 76B. 76A, the cam bar lever 618 is in a first position in which the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 are drawn away from the partition into the front rail 610. 76B, the cam bar lever 618 is in a second position in which the teeth 612 of the front rail 610 extend toward the partition 550.

77 shows an exploded view of several aspects of one embodiment. The front rail 610 is shown to include an extruded shell 620, a cam bar 622 and a toothed bar 624. The toothed bar 624 includes a plurality of teeth 612. The extruded shell 620 includes a cam area 626 and a cam area 626 designed to receive the toothed bar 624. The cam bar 622 is positioned on the base of the front rail 610 adjacent to the extruded shell 620. The cam bar 624 is in contact with the cam bar lever 618. The cam bar lever 618 is operable to move back and forth laterally with the cam bar 622. Cam bar 622 further includes elongated cam riser bores 628. The cam riser bores 628 are further rearwardly from the front end of the front rail 610 at the rear end of the reservoir 628 and at the front end of the cam riser bore 628 closer to the front end of the front rail 610, Do.

The toothed bar 624 may include cam studs 630. The toothed bar cam studs 630 are disposed within the cam barrel bores 628 during operation of the front rail 610. When the cam bar 622 and the cam barrel bores 628 move sideways, the toothed bar cam studs 630 move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the cam bar 622. The toothed bar cam studs 630 are moved toward the front of the front rail 610 (and away from the tooth portions 600 of the partition) as the cam bar 622 moves forward and backward in the lateral direction within the cam area 626 Away) and away from the front of the front rail 610 (and toward the toothed portions 600 of the partition). As the toothed bar cam studs 630 move, the toothed bar 624 also moves. Accordingly, when the cam bar lever 618 is moved from the first position to the second position, the cam bar lever moves the cam bar 622 laterally along the inner side of the front rail 610. This lateral movement of the cam bar 622 causes the toothed bar 624 and the teeth 612 thereon to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622; That is, the toothed bar 624 moves toward the front of the front rail 610 or away from the front and toward the teeth 600 or away from the toothed portions 600 on the partition 550. 78 shows a rear exploded view of several aspects of the embodiment shown in Fig. 77. Fig.

79A-C illustrate examples of a step-by-step guide for the placement of the partition 550 into the front rail 610. FIG. The partition 550 containing the toothed portions 600 is lowered into the channel 640 of the front rail 610 as illustrated in Figure 79A. The toothed bar 624 is initially located closer to the front of the front rail 610 and the toothed portions 612 of the toothed bar 624 are not engaged with the toothed portions 600 of the partition 550 . Cam lever 618 is in a first position to hold teeth 612 of toothed bar 624 out of engagement with partitioning tabs 600, as illustrated in Figure 79 (b). In this position, the partition 550 can be moved laterally along the ridge or tongue-like portion 616 of the front rail 610. The partition 550 may have a product that rests on the partitioning floor 554 as the partition 550 is laterally moved along the front rail in the direction shown in Fig. 77 by arrow "A ". The ridges 584 or other projections on the front rail 580 are positioned between the ridges 584 and the grooves 560 in a slightly smaller clearance that may not be noticeable to the user 560 or other recesses in the partition 550 to prevent the partition from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 and to secure the partition 550, have. Thereafter, the cam bar lever 618 is moved from the first position to the second position. The movement of the cam bar lever 618 causes the cam bar 622 to move laterally in the extruded shell 620. The movement of the cam bar 622 includes the movement of the diagonal cam guard bores 628 laterally. The movement of the cam barrel bores 628 may in turn cause the teeth of the teeth 622 to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cam bar 622 and toward the teeth 600 of the partition 550, Causing the cam studs 630 to move. The toothed bar cam studs 630 may be coupled to and integrated with the toothed bar 624. Movement of the toothed bar cam studs 630 thereby causes the toothed bar 624 and the toothed portions 612 contained therein to move toward the toothed portions 600 of the partition. This movement causes the toothed portions 612 of the toothed bar 624 to engage with the toothed portions 600 of the partition. When the toothed portions 612 of the toothed bars engage the toothed portions 600 of the partition, the partition 550 is releasably engaged and under the normal operating conditions and forces, Lt; / RTI > will not be able to move laterally as shown by "

The toothed bar 624 is secured to its ends such that the toothed bar 624 can only move in a direction toward or away from the toothed portions 600 of the partition. The toothed bar 624 can not move in the lateral direction shown in Fig. 77 by the arrow "A ". The cam bar 622 operates in an opposite manner. The cam bar 622 can move the cam bar 622 only in the lateral direction shown in Fig. 77 by the arrow "A ". The cam bar can not move in a direction toward or away from the teeth 600 of the partition.

80 provides an isometric view of an embodiment of an embodiment. When the toothed portions 612 of the toothed bar 624 engage the toothed portions 600 of the partition, the entire sales system 10 is locked. The front rail 610 and the partition 550 will releasably engage with each other and will not move relative to each other. In addition, the pusher 520 is engaged with the partition 550. In this position, the entire sales system 10 can be moved. The sales system 10 can be set to a remote location according to a particular planogram and then locked. The sales system 10 can then be shipped to the shop location. At the store location, the vending system 10 can be removed from the shipping container and placed on a mat-like shelf. The plano-grading of the partitions 550 will remain intact while the sales system 10 is locked.

In the example, the display system is assembled at a remote location away from the shelf and then moved to the shelf as a unit and secured to the shelf. The plurality of partitions 550 engage the front rail 580 in such a way that they are fixed and do not move significantly in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580. The plurality of partitions 550 are adjusted laterally parallel to the front rail 580 according to a pre-planned planogram or other arrangement. The plurality of partitions 550 include engagement members and the front rail 580 includes engagement members. The engagement members on the plurality of partitions 550 and / or the engagement members on the front rail 580 are provided with a plurality of partitions on the front rail 580 such that the plurality of partitions can not move in any direction relative to the front rail 580 The second position is adjusted from the first position to the second position. The front rail 580 and the plurality of partitions 550 are then moved to the shelf as a unit. The front rail 580 is then secured to the shelf.

To change the plano grading of the sales system at the shop location, the partitions 550 and merchandise need not be removed from the shelf. The cam bar lever 618 or other engaging member for each of the partitions 550 can be moved to its initial position. By moving the cam bar lever 618 or other engagement member to its initial position, the toothed portions 612 of the toothed bar 624 are released from the toothed portions 600 of the partition (or one of the engagement members Member is disengaged from the member). In this position, partitions 550 can be moved laterally in the direction indicated by arrow "A " The goods may remain in place at partition bottoms 554 and pusher bottoms 524 while partitions 550 are moved. Once the partitions 550 are moved to the new planogram position, the cam lever 618 or other engagement member for each of the partitions 550 can be moved to its second position. The teeth 612 of the toothed bar 622 will then engage the teeth 600 of the convertor 550 and cause the sales system 10 to lock again.

In the example, the operation of the camming action is further illustrated in Figures 81A and 81B. 81A shows that the tabs 600 of the partition are not engaged with the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624. In an embodiment, the cam bar 622 is adjacent to the front wall of the front rail 610. 81b, the cam bar lever 618 has been moved to the second position, the cam bar 622 has been moved laterally and the toothed bar cam struts 630 have been moved towards the partition 550. [ The teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 are also moved toward the partition 550 and are engaged with the partition teeth 600.

In an embodiment, a soft rubber pad may be used in place on the teeth 612 of the toothed bar 624 and may function as an engaging member. In this embodiment, when the toothed bar 624 is adjacent to the front portion of the front rail 610, the soft rubber pads and the tab teeth 600 do not contact each other. When the cam bar lever 618 is moved to its second position and the cam bar 622 moves the toothed bar 624 in the direction of the toothed portions 600, the toothed portion 600 is moved between the soft rubber pads And is thereby engaged with it. This contact provides resistance interference and leaves the partition tabs 600 in place and the partition 550 prevents lateral movement in the direction shown in Figure 77 by the arrow "A ".

In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 82a-82c, the partition 550 is held in position by contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a clamp. 82A-82C illustrate a step process for inserting the partition 550 into the front rail 580. FIG. Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 82A, the partition 550 is lowered into the channel 640 formed in the front rail 580 (or 610). In addition, the ridge or tongue 644 of the front rail 580 contacts the channel 645 of the partition 550. The partition 550 includes a ridge 650 that extends bump or outwardly in the front portion of the partition 550. The clamp 652 of the front rail 580 is rotated to engage the bumps 650 of the partition 550. Clamp 652 snaps over jump 650 and locks bump 650 and partition 550 into place. Once releasably engaged, partition 550 can not move in the lateral direction shown in Figure 80 by arrow "A ". To move the partition 550, a clamp 652 must be pulled to snap-unlock the clamp 652 from the partition bump 650.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 83A-83C, the partition 550 is held in position by contact with the front rail 580 through the use of a rotating rod 660 including teeth. Initially, the partition 550 is lowered into the channel formed in the front rail 580, as illustrated in Figure 83A. The front rail 580 includes a rotating rod 660, which itself includes teeth. When the partition 550 is initially lowered into the channel, the teeth of the rotating rod 660 are in a first position where they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the partition 550, as illustrated in Figure 83B . The handle 662 is coupled to the rotating rod 660. When the handle is in the first position 664, the teeth of the rotating rod 660 are in a first position where they are not engaged with the teeth 600 of the partition 500. As illustrated in Figure 83c, when the handle 662 is moved to the second position 668, the handle 662 rotates the rotatable rod 660 and rotates the teeth of the rotatable rod 662 as they pass through the partition 550 To be engaged with the teeth 600 of the first and second fasteners 600a and 600b. In this position, the rod teeth portions are in interference condition with the partition tooth portions 600. The partition 550 can not move in the lateral direction shown in FIG. 80 by the arrow "A " when the rod teeth portions and the partition teeth 600 are engaged with each other. The rod 660 must be returned to its first position 664 to move the partition 550 and the teeth of the rod 660 must move out of engagement with the teeth 600 of the partition 550 .

In an embodiment, a plurality of pushers 520 and partitions 550 may be used with a single front rail 580. 84A-84E illustrate the use of two pushers 520 and two partitions 550 to push merchandise toward the front of the shelf. The use of multiple pushers 520 makes it possible to push a broad merchandise, shown schematically in the drawings. In addition, placing the pusher extender 528 in its upwardly extended position may enable the pushers 520 to push higher goods or many goods as shown in Figures 84d and 84e. In an embodiment, the partition 550 can be coupled to the two pushers 520. One pusher 520 may engage portions of the barrier 556 on each side of the partition wall 552 as shown in Figure 84f. In other instances, the partition may be coupled to one pusher or the partition may not be coupled to the pusher.

In another embodiment, the partition 550 is partially secured to the front rail 580 through operation of the cam 720, as illustrated in FIG. 85 illustrates a cam 720 coupled to the barrier 556 in side perspective view. The cam 720 includes a rounded portion 722 configured to rotate within cavity 740 (see FIG. 86g) of barrier 556. As shown in FIG. The cam 720 also includes a tongue-like portion 724 that includes a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728, and a third cam wall 730. In Fig. 85, the cam is in a position not engaged with the front rail. In this position, the first cam wall 726 may be in a substantially vertically aligned state. In this position, the second cam wall 728 and the third cam wall 730 may also be in a substantially horizontal alignment. The first cam wall 726 is connected to the second cam wall 728. The second cam wall 728 is connected to the third cam wall 730. The cam also includes a handle 732.

In another embodiment, the tongue-shaped portion 724 has only two cam walls. These are a first cam wall and a second cam wall, such as the first cam wall 726. The second cam wall is straight and reaches the lengths shown by the cam walls 728 and 730. In this embodiment, there is no bend in the second cam wall. The cam walls may extend for one or more portions of the width of the partition 550 or may extend over the entire width of the partition 550.

In another embodiment shown in Figures 92-94, the cam 720 is a cam glide surface 733 (hereinafter referred to as cam glide) located on the bottom side of the cam, opposite the handle 732. The cam glide 733 serves as a low friction glide bump for improving sliding of the partition against the rail. In operation, the cam glide 733 lifts the partition from the rails above the rails to reduce friction between the partition and the rails, thereby improving slippage of the partition relative to the rails. As can be seen from the figures, cam glide 733 of cam 720 extends below or below the bottom surface of the partition and is the point of contact between the partition and the rail. In this configuration, when the partition moves transversely with respect to the rail, the primary contact between the partition and the rail is merely cam glide, and the partition and other salient portions of the rail do not contact each other. This single contact point thus reduces the friction between the partition and the rail.

The cam glide further defines a planar surface that extends outwardly from the rounded portion 722 of the cam 720. The cam glide 733 can be located in the center of the rounded portion 722 of the cam to provide stability and balance against the partition for the rails. However, it should be understood that the cam glide may be located at any other suitable position of the cam. The planar surface of the cam glide may end in an elongated edge having a size and shape to allow free sliding in the channels 586 of the rails 580 thereby facilitating lateral movement of the partitions relative to the rails. The long edges of the planar surface can form rounded or contoured edge surfaces to further assist free movement of the cam glide relative to the rails. It should be appreciated that the cam glide may form other configurations that allow this cam glide to be fitted within or along the rails and also allow slidable movement of the partitions relative to the rails. For example, the cam glide may form bumps or rounded protrusions or series of bumps or rounded protrusions, which will achieve the same purpose as a planar surface that forms a long edge. While it is depicted that the cam 720 forming the cam glide 733 is used with a partition, the cam and cam glide may be used with a pusher or pusher assembly or other components mounted on the rail.

In another embodiment, the cam 720 forming the cam glide 733 can be mounted to the rear of the partition or pusher and operably engaged with a rear rail mounted to the rear of the shelf. In this embodiment, the cam 720 can be used to secure a partition or pusher against the rear rails and prevent lateral movement thereof if used in a shelf. In other words, the cams and cam glides described herein can be used to secure a partition or pusher to either the front rail or the rear rail, or both, depending on the desired application.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cam 720 serves as a locking portion for locking the partition or pusher to either the front rail or the rear rail, or both. Cam 720 will lock the partition or pusher into the rail when it is moved to the locked position and prevent lateral movement of the partition or pusher relative to the rail. In the unlocked position, cam 720 allows slidable movement of the partition or pusher against the rail. In an exemplary embodiment, cam 720 is rotatable or pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the cam 720 forming the cam glide 733 locks the partition or pusher against the rail and also reinforces the horizontal slip of the partition or pusher against the rail when the cam is in the unlocked position Functioning as a dual function.

As shown in FIG. 92, the cam 720 may form a rounded portion 722 configured to rotate within a cavity 741 in front of the partition. The cam 720 may also form a cam surface 725 and a cam surface 727 to be engaged with the groove walls 754 and 756 of the front rail, as described below.

In an embodiment, cam 720 is fitted within cavity 740 of barrier 556 as illustrated in Figure 86g. In an embodiment, cavity 740 is bounded by sidewalls 742. The sidewalls 742 cause the front of the cavity 740 to be slightly smaller than the width of the cam 720. Any amount of force is required to push cam 720 past sidewall 742 into cavity 740. After the cam has passed the sidewalls 742, it is snap-connected to the position of the cavity 740. The cam 720 can then rotate within cavity 740 and will not fall from cavity 740 or separate from cavity 740 during normal use. Cam 720 is rotatably secured within cavity 740. In an embodiment, cavity 740 is bounded by its front portion by a front wall (not shown).

In other embodiments, the sidewalls 742 do not make the front of the cavity 740 narrower than the width of the cam 720. In this embodiment, the cam 720 can be placed in the cavity 740 and removed from the cavity 740 without having to overcome the resistive forces caused by the side walls 742.

92, in another embodiment, the cam 720 forming the cam glide 733 may be fitted in a cavity 741 formed at the front end of the partition 550, Can be bounded. Sidewalls 743 allow the front of cavity 741 to be slightly smaller than the width of cam 720. Any amount of force is required to push cam 720 past sidewalls 743 into cavity 741. After the cam has passed through the side walls 743, it is snap-connected to a position in the cavity 741 and is seated in a pair of cavity surfaces 747. The cam 720 can then rotate within the cavity and will not fall off or separate from the cavity during normal use.

As depicted in FIGS. 92-94, the cam 720 is rotatably secured within cavity 741. In this embodiment, the cavity 741 also forms an opening or slot 745 that is sized and shaped to allow rotational movement of the cam glide 733 in the cavity. The slot 745 is sized and shaped to allow the planar surface of the cam glide 733 to be fitted therein, thereby allowing the cam to rotate within the cavity 741. The opening 745 also allows the cam glide 733 to extend into the rail past the bottom surface of the partition. Once on the rails, the cam glide will lift the partition from the rail above the rails and from the contact with the rails to allow free sliding of the partitions to the rails as described above.

The opening 745 also creates a clearance for rotation of the cam glide away from the rail. As the handle 732 on the cam is rotated toward the front edge of the rail, the cam glide will eventually rotate away from the rail. The opening 745 formed in the cavity 741 allows this rotatable movement.

Referring to Figs. 93A and 93B, the partition 550 is shown lowered and resting on the rails 580. Fig. More specifically, the front portion of the partition 550 is lowered into the channel 586 and the groove 560 is placed over the ridge 584. As shown in FIG. 93B, the cam glide 733 will contact the channel 586 and will support the partition from the rails above the rail 580. In this embodiment, the cam glide 733 supports the partition and allows free slidable movement of the partition relative to the rails. There is a gap between the groove 560 and the ridge 584 and between the lower surface of the partition and the top surface of the rail, as shown in Figure 93B.

Referring to Figs. 94A-94C showing sectional views of the partition, cam and rail, the cam 720 is always in contact with the rail 580. Fig. 94 (a), when the partition 550 is initially lowered onto the rail 580, the cam glide 733 contacts the channel 586 of the rail 580 and moves the partition up the rail from the rail Lift up. As shown in FIG. 94A, the cam 720 forms cam surfaces 725, 727, and 729. 94A also shows a front rail 580 that receives a portion of the partition 550 and forms a rail channel 586 which is a contact surface to the cam glide 733. [ The rail 580 further defines a rail groove 750 that further defines groove walls 752, 754, and 756 that contact the cam surfaces during operation of the cam, as described below.

94B, when the cam is rotated, through the actuation of the handle 732, the cam glide is held in contact with the channel 586 and the cam surface 725 is brought into contact with the groove wall or surface 756 of the front rail Contact. In this regard, the cam 720 contacts the rail at two points at the same time.

94C, the cam surface 725 contacts the groove wall or surface 754 while the cam surface 727 contacts the groove wall or surface 756 while the cam is rotated through further further operation of the handle. / RTI > In addition, the cam surface 729 will contact the groove wall or surface 752. The groove wall 752 serves as a stop for preventing further rotational movement of the cam 720. The handle 732 extends over the top and even forward edge of the front rail or past the front edge of the front rail. In the example, the front of the cam handle 732 is flush with the forwardmost portion of the front rail. A human digital gap exists between the handle 732 and the front rail, which is sufficient for a human finger (e.g., a finger or thumb) to approach the handle. At this point, the cam glide 733 is rotated over the channel 586 of the rail 580 and from the channel and into the opening 745. The partitions are now in direct contact with the rails, while the cams engage the rails, securing the partitions to the rails, and preventing lateral movement of the partitions. In an exemplary embodiment, the cam 720 is snap-connected to the rail with the audible reminder heard by the standard adult human, indicating that the cam is locked against the rail, when in the position depicted in Figure 94c.

To release the cam from the snap-in position or the locked position, the user simply lifts the handle 732 upward to release the cam surfaces 725 and 727 from the groove walls 754 and 756. When the cam is released from the groove walls, the cam glide will be rotated back into contact with the rail channel 586 and the partition will lift up the rail from the rail. The partition will then be placed on the rail through the cam glide and then moved transversely with respect to the rail and the above described operation will be repeated. As indicated above, during cam locking and unlocking to the rail groove, the cam is always in contact with the rails and is always in contact with the partition.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sales display system may include one or more partitions configured to engage the front rail and the front rail. The partition may include a barrier, a partition wall, and a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall configured to retain the article, as specified herein. A front locking portion, such as the exemplary cam 720 described herein, may be coupled to the partition. In an aspect, the front locking portion is configured to rotate, pivot, or move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the front locking portion may allow slidable movement of the partition relative to the front rail. In one embodiment, the locking portion can lift the partition upward from the front rail. When in the second position, the locking portion locks the partition on the front rail and prevents slidable movement between the partition and the front rail. The cam is in constant contact with the front rail at both the first and second positions and at all positions between the first and second positions.

In the example, a locking portion for a partition such as cam 720 or other locking portions is located at the end of the partition. The locking portion may be located at the front end of the partition (i. E., The end of the partition closest to or in contact with the front rail 580, also the end closest to the consumer selected item). The locking portion, such as the cam 720, may be in front of the partition wall 522. The locking portion, such as cam 720, may be in front of barrier 556. Even when the merchandise is in the partition bottom 554 and even when the partition bottom 554 is filled with merchandise (i. E., When the front end of the partition is positioned in front of the partition 522 and in front of the barrier 556) The lock can be accessed by the fingers by an individual who provides maintenance for the shelf, reloading the shelf, or refla gonning of the shelf, even if the product of the shelf can not be fitted to the bottom of the partition. The locking portion (such as cam 720) is positioned so that when the item is in the partition bottom 554, the lock is in front of the item and the item is in the bottom of the divider 554, It can be placed in the partition so that access is not disturbed. The cam handle 732 may be flush with the front end of the front rail 580 and extend beyond the front end of the front rail 580.

In an example, the sales display system may include a front rail, one or more partitions configured to engage the front rail, and one or more partitions including a barrier. The one or more partitions may further include a partition wall and a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall configured to retain the article. The retail display system also includes a front locking portion coupled to the front end of the partition. The front locking part is in front of the barrier and in front of the partition wall. The front lock portion is configured to be accessible with the fingers when the article is at the bottom of the partition. The front locking portion can be transferred between the first position and the second position. The front locking portion lifts the partition over and against the front end when in the first position and permits sliding movement of the partition relative to the front rail. The front locking portion prevents the slidable movement of the partition relative to the front rail when in the second position.

86E and 86F illustrate enlarged portions of the front rail 580 and the cam 720. [ The cam 720 may include texturing. The cam 720 may include teeth or other engagement members. In an embodiment, the first cam wall 726 is textured by the teeth 736 and 738. The teeth 736 can form the bottom row of the teeth. The teeth 738 may form an upper row of teeth. The teeth 736 and teeth 738 are round in the embodiment. In one or more embodiments, the teeth 736 and teeth 738 form one vertical row of teeth. Eliminating the sharp portions of the toothed portions can provide better operation and longer life for the cam teeth. The cam 720 may also be textured in other ways than the toothed portions, such as roughening and other texturing.

In the example, the front rail 580 includes a groove 750 as illustrated in Figure 86F. The groove 750 may include a first groove wall 752, a second groove wall 754, and a third groove wall 756. The first groove wall 752 is connected to the second groove wall 754 and eventually also to the third groove wall 756. In another embodiment, the groove 750 has only two groove walls. These are a first groove wall and a second groove wall 754, such as the first groove wall 752. The second groove wall 754 is straight and reaches the lengths shown by the groove walls 754 and 756. There is no bend in the second groove wall 754 of this embodiment.

In an embodiment, the groove 750 may be textured. The groove 750 may include teeth. In an embodiment, the first groove wall 752 includes a toothed portion 766 and a toothed portion 768. The teeth 766 can form the bottom row of the teeth. The teeth 768 may form the top row of the teeth. In one or more embodiments, the teeth 766 and 768 form one vertical row of teeth. The teeth 766 and 768 may be round. The teeth 766 and 768 may lie along the entire length of the groove 750. In addition, the teeth 766 and 768 can be placed in cross-sections along a groove 750 having additional sections of a flat, tooth-free groove 750. Groove 750 may also be textured in other ways than toes, such as lubrication or other texturing. In an embodiment, the second groove wall 754 is flat and the third groove wall 756 is flat. In an embodiment, the second cam wall 728 is flat and the third cam wall 730 is flat.

87A to 87C, the merchandise display system 10 includes a partition 550 and a front rail 580. In the embodiment shown in Figs. The partition 550 includes a partition wall 556, a partition floor 554, and a barrier 554. The cam 720 is rotatably coupled to the front portion of the barrier 556. The cam 720 includes a camming tongue 724 wherein the camming tongue 724 includes a first cam wall 726, a second cam wall 728 and a third cam wall 730. The cam 720 also includes a handle 732. The front rail 580 includes a groove 750 that includes a first groove wall 752, a second groove wall 754, and a third groove wall 756. The cam 720 is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position such that when the cam 720 is in the second position the camming tongue 724 engages the front rail groove 750, It is inhibited from moving in the lateral direction. The cam 720 may also be configured to slide between the first position and the second position.

87A through 87C show the progression in which the partition 550 is coupled to the front rail 580. FIG. Cam 720 is moved between the first position in Figure 87 (b) and the second position in Figure 87 (c). As described below, when the cam 720 is in the first position shown in FIG. 87B, the cam 720 is positioned such that the partition 550 is moved sideways along the front rail 580 or, alternatively, 580). ≪ / RTI > 87b, the partition 550 is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the front rail 580 and can not move in a vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 87B, which is different from that shown in FIG. 87B for a slightly smaller size of clearance that may exist between the partition and the front rail. When the cam 720 is in the second position shown in Figure 87c, the cam 720 is moved so that the partition 550 is laterally moved along the front rail 580 Forbidden. In one example, when the cam 720 is in the second position shown in Fig. 87C, under vertical operating conditions and forces, the cam 720 moves the partition 550 laterally along the front rail 580 (And makes the partition 550 unmovable along the front rail 580). The cam 720 is configured such that when a force equal to or smaller than a predefined magnitude of force is applied to the partition 550 in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail 580, 580 so as to inhibit movement of the partition 550. When an oversized force for a predefined size of force is applied to the partition 550 laterally parallel to the front rail 580, the partition 550 moves laterally parallel to the front rail 580 .

87 (a) shows a partition 550 which rises above the front rail 580. Fig. 87B, the partition 550 is lowered and positioned in contact with the front rail 580. The groove 560 is located above the ridge 584 and the ridge 584 is located with the groove 560. Grooves 560 and ridges 584 may be in contact with each other at this location. Grooves 560 and ridges 584 may also not always be in contact with each other at this location. A space may exist between the surfaces of the groove 560 and the ridge 584 at some locations. The front portion of the barrier 556 is also located within the channel or groove 586. 87B, the tongue portion 724 of the cam 720 does not engage with the groove 750 of the front rail 580. In Figure 87B, partition 550 can move laterally as shown by arrows "A" in Figures 86F-86H. The partition 550 need not be raised above the front rail 580 to enable such movement. The partition 550 can maintain contact with the front rail 580 and can move in the "A" direction. The product may be placed on the partitioning floor 554 during the process of moving the partition 550. The ability to move the partition 550 without removing the divider 550 from the front rail 580 or removing the product provides the ease of replanogramming. 87b, the partition 550 can move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 only as shown by arrow "A" in Figures 86f and 86h in the plane of the shelf And in Figures 71 to 596). In FIG. 87B, partition 550 is not movable in all other directions, such as the direction shown by arrow "B " in FIG. 86H under normal operating forces and conditions in the plane of the shelf. The partition 550 can not swing, rotate, splay or fish tail in the plane of the shelf and the partition 550 can be used to move the front rail 580 under vertical operating forces and conditions, As shown in Fig. 87B, the partition 550 can move in the direction shown by arrow "C" in Fig. 87B and thereby lift the front rail 580 in the opposite direction. The direction indicated by the arrow "C" in Fig. 87B is not in the plane of the shelf.

87C, the cam handle 732 is rotated toward the front rail 580. [ In an embodiment, the cam handle 732 contacts the front rail 580. The cam tongue 724 is brought into contact with the front rail 580 and the front rail 580 is rotated in the opposite direction of the cam tongue 724 when the cam 720 is rotated from its position in Figure 87b to its position in Figure 87c, ). The first cam wall 726 can contact the third groove wall 756 when the cam 720 is rotated from its position in Figure 87b to its position in Figure 87c.

The tongue portion 724 may snap to a position within the groove 750 and the tongue portion 724 may engage the groove 750 as the cam moves to the position shown in Figure 87c. In an embodiment, the tongue portion 724 is perfectly fit with the groove 750. This perfect fit is related to the engagement of the tongue-like portion 724 and the groove 750. The front rail 580 is not deformed and the cam 720 and the front rail 580 are not in tension with respect to each other. The first cam wall 726 is adjacent to the first groove wall 752. The second cam wall 728 is adjacent to the second groove wall 754. The third cam wall 730 is adjacent to the third groove wall 756. In an embodiment, the cam walls and the groove walls contact each other. For example, the first cam wall 726 contacts the first groove wall 752; The second cam wall 728 contacts the second groove wall 754; The third cam wall 730 contacts the third groove wall 756. In at least one embodiment, the cam walls and the groove walls contact each other, but they are not substantially in tension with each other. In another embodiment, when the cam walls and the groove walls contact each other, one or more of the cam walls are in tension with one or more of the groove walls.

In the embodiment in which the first cam wall 726 is positioned in contact with the first groove wall 752, the teeth of the first cam wall 726 are engaged with the teeth of the first groove wall 752 . The teeth 736 engage the teeth 766 and the teeth 738 engage the teeth 768. The engagement of the teeth of the first cam wall with the teeth of the first groove wall is such that the partition moves laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A " (as shown in Figure 86h) Provides resistance to heat.

When the cam tongue-shaped portion 724 is positioned so as to be perfectly aligned with the groove 750, a partition (as shown in Figure 86h) laterally along the front rail in the lateral direction shown by the arrow "A " 550, and the partition 550 will not move laterally under normal forces that are located on the partition during operation.

When it is desired to move the partition 550 again along the front rail 580, the cam may be unsnapped from the front rail. The handle 732 can be rotated in the reverse direction of the front rail 580. [ The tongue-shaped portion 724 may be detached from the groove 750 and returned to its position in Figure 87b.

In an embodiment, the partition wall 552 has sections of different widths (see Figure 85). The front section 770 of the partition wall 552 that may be adjacent to the barrier 556 may have a greater width than the rear section 772 of the partition wall 552 adjacent the barrier 556. [ The front section 770 may be connected to the rear section 772 by an intermediate section 774. The width of the intermediate section 774 gradually changes from the width of the front section 770 of the partition to the width of the rear section 772 of the partition. The width of the portion of middle section 774 adjacent to section 770 is equal to the width of section 770 and the width of the section of middle section 774 adjacent to section 772 is greater than the width of section 772. [ . The smaller width of the rear section 772 of the partition wall 552 creates an air space between the partition walls 552 so that when the product is pushed into the space between the two partition walls 552 And assist in providing a flow of product along the partitioning floor 554 when the product is removed from the front of the commodity system 10. [ In one example, the width of the front section 770 of the partition wall 552 is at least 25% greater than the width of the rear section 772 of the partition wall 552.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 85-87C, one or more partitions 550 may be positioned in contact with the front rail 580. When the cam 720 or other engaging member is not engaged with the front rail 580, the partitions 550 can move in parallel to the length of the front rail 580 in the lateral direction shown by arrow "A " 86h). The partition 550 can then be secured in place by snapping the cam 720 or other engagement member into engagement with the front rail 580. [ The partition 550 will remain stationary under vertical operating forces until the cam 720 or other engaging member is unseated or otherwise positioned not engaged with the front rail 580. [

In an embodiment, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is textured as shown in Figure 86k. This texturing may be in the form of roughening or small toothed portions. Texturing causes the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 to be non-smooth. In an embodiment, the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 or other projecting or engaging member is textured as shown in Figures 86i, 86j, and 86l. This texturing can be in the form of lubrication or small toothed portions and causes the surface of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 to be non-smooth.

In one or more embodiments, as shown in Figure 86i, the barrier 556 is a separate component and may be removably attached to the partition 550. In one or more embodiments, the barrier 556 may snap onto the front portion of the partition 550. In one or more embodiments, the barrier 556 is movable. The entire barrier 556 may be movable, or a portion or portions of the barrier 556 may be movable. For example, a portion of the barrier 556 located in the front of the article on the merchandise display system 10 may be movable. In one or more embodiments, the portion of the barrier 556 located at the front of the article may be configured to slide. In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the barrier 556 located in the front portion of the article may be configured to rotate about an axis to allow the portion of the barrier 556 to open and close. In such an embodiment, the axis may be a hinged connection. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the barrier 556 may be spring mounted to the partition 550 such that a portion of the barrier 556 may have a magnitude of force to move in the opposite direction of the partition 550 . In this embodiment, upon release of the force, the portion of the barrier 556 will close or return to its original position. Exemplary methods for mounting the barrier 556 are described in more detail in U. S. Patent No. 8,056, 734, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one example, partition 550 does not include a barrier. Alternatively, one or more of the barriers may be included in the front rail 580.

87B, when the partition 550 is positioned in contact with the front rail 580, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 contacts the front wall 585 of the ridge 584, The cam 720 is in the position shown in Figure 87B while the tongue of the cam 720 is not engaged with the groove 750 of the front rail 580. [ When the cam 720 is moved from the first position shown in FIG. 87B to the second position shown in FIG. 97C, the tongue-like portion 724 engages with the groove 750 and the tongue- . In an embodiment, the tension between the tongue-like portion 724 and the groove 750 causes the partition 550 to move in the backward direction. The front wall 561 of the groove 560 is brought into contact with the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 when the cam is moved to the second position shown in Fig. The front wall 561 is engaged with the front wall 585. The texturing on the front wall 561 of the groove 560 engages with the texturing on the front wall 585 of the ridge 584. The engagement of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 with the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 is achieved by the engagement of the front wall 561 of the partition 550 along the front rail 580 in the direction shown by the arrow & Prohibit movement. The texturing on the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 and the texturing engagement on the front wall 561 of the groove 560 are performed in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 86H with the aid of the partitioning along the front rail 580 in the direction shown by the arrow & 550).

In one example, a resilient strip or bead may be included in the upper surface of the front rail 580, the upper surface of the ridge 584, or other protrusions. When the cam 720, or other engagement device, is in the first position, the elastic strip or bead is not compressed. In the first position, the partition 550 is movable in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail, but can not move in a direction perpendicular to the front rail. When the cam 720 or other engaging device is in the second position, the elastic strip or bead is compressed with the groove 560 or other recess in the partition 550. When the elastic strip or bead is compressed with the grooves 560 or other recesses, the partition 550 is fixed in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 under vertical operating forces. In one example, the portion of the groove 560 or other recess that comes into contact with the elastic strip or bead of the front rail 580 may include lubrication or teeth (not shown).

In one embodiment, the barrier 556 is not molded at the same time as the partition wall 552 and the partition floor 554. The barrier 556 is molded as a separate part from the partition wall 552 and the partition floor 556, as shown in FIG. 88A. The barrier 556 may be molded of a transparent material while the partition wall 552 and the partitioning floor 554 may be molded of an opaque material.

In one example, partition 550 includes an engaging member that includes a flat surface. The front rail 580 may include an engagement member including a flat surface. The flat surface of the engagement member on the partition and / or the engagement member on the front rail may comprise a smooth or substantially smooth surface. The flat surface may comprise an elastic surface. The flat surface may comprise a rubber strip or a neoprene strip or otherwise compressible material. In one example, when the engagement member of the partition 550 is in the first position, the engagement member of the partition does not engage with the engagement member of the front rail 580, and the partition 550 is spaced laterally . When the engagement member of the partition 550 is in the second position, the partition engagement member engages with the engagement member of the front rail 580, and the partition is fixed under normal operating conditions and forces, . ≪ / RTI > In one example where the front rail 580 and the engagement members of the partition 550 are smooth or substantially smooth surfaces and do not include toothed or other protrusions, the partition 550 may additionally include lateral adjustability and / It can have infinite or almost infinite lateral adjustability. The lateral adjustability of the partition 550 is not limited by physical dimensions such as the width of the protrusions or teeth. Infinite lateral adjustability effectively utilizes the lateral space and limits or minimizes the unused or lost space between product rows, thereby potentially increasing the amount of lateral product faceings on the working space and shelf, To provide significant benefits.

In one embodiment, the barrier 556 may be snap fit or otherwise engaged with the partition 550 as shown in FIG. 88B. The engagement between the barrier 556 and the partition 550 can be removed from the partition 550 without affecting the barrier 556 under normal operating conditions and without adversely affecting the structure of the barrier 556 or the partition 550 It may be absent.

FIGS. 89A to 89C show an example of a step-by-step method of positioning the partition of the front rail. In the first step, as shown in Figure 89 (a), the partition 550 can be lowered into contact with the front rail 590. The rotary "T" lock 900 can be rotated to snap over the front rail 580. The rotary "T" lock 900 may be attached to the front portion of the partition 550. [ The rotary "T" lock 900 can rotate about an axis 903. The partition 550 can be lowered and positioned in contact with the front rail 580 as illustrated in Figure 89b. Groove 560 or other recess in partition 550 engages ridge or tongue 584 or other protrusion of front rail 580. At this point, the partition 550 can be moved laterally parallel to the front rail and allow for ease of reflow graining. In one example, the partition 550 can move along the front rail. The partition 550 with or without the product on the partitioning floor 554 can slide in the direction previously shown by the arrow "A" in FIG. 65 without requiring the partition 550 to be elevated. In a final step, as illustrated in Figure 89c, the rotary "T" lock 900 may be pushed forward and downward toward the front rail 580. The rotary "T" lock 900 can engage with a lip 901 on the front portion of the front rail 580. In one or more embodiments, the front rail 580 includes an upper front surface 902. The upper front surface 902 may comprise a texture or may be an elastic surface such as a rubber. Alternatively, the upper front surface 902 may include one or more teeth. The upper front surface 902 can engage surface 904 on the rotary "T" lock 900. Surface 904 may also include a texture or may be an elastic surface such as a rubber. Alternatively, the surface 904 may include teeth that are configured to engage the teeth on the upper front surface 902. When the rotary "T" lock 900 engages the lip 901, the partition 550 engages the front rail 580 and can not move laterally under a force of vertical magnitude.

90A-90F illustrate embodiments of partition 550 and front rail 580. FIG. As shown in FIG. 90A, the partition 550 can include a wall 552, a floor 554, and a barrier 556. The partition wall 552 may divide the partition floor 554 into two portions 559 and 551 that have one portion on each side of the partition wall 552. As illustrated in Figure 90B, the partition wall 552 may extend vertically from the partition floor 554. The barrier 556 may be located in the front portion of the partition wall 552. The bottom surface of the partitioning floor 554 may include a groove 560 or other recess, a tongue portion 941 or other projection, and a front wall 561, as illustrated in Figures 90c and 90f. In one or more embodiments, the front wall 561 of the groove 560 is textured. This texturing may be in the form of lubrication or small toothed portions. Texturing can cause the surface of the front wall 561 of the groove 560 to be non-smooth.

90D, the front rail 580 includes a flat surface 582, a ridge or tongue 584 or other projection, a first channel or groove 586 or other recess, and a second channel or groove (not shown) 950) or other recesses. The front wall 561 of the partition 550 can engage with the first groove 586 of the front rail 580. The ridge or tongue portion 584 of the front rail 580 can engage with the groove 560 of the partition 550. The tongue portion 941 of the partition 550 can engage with the second groove 950 of the front rail 580. In one embodiment, the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 is textured. This texturing can be in the form of lubrication or small toothed portions and causes the surface of the front wall 585 of the ridge 584 to be non-smooth. The texturing of the front wall 585 of the ridges 584 can engage with the texturing of the front wall 561 of the grooves 560. The engagement of the front wall 561 of the partition 550 with respect to the first channel 586 of the front rail 580 and the ridge or tongue 584 of the front rail 580 relative to the groove 560 of the partition 550 And the engagement of the projection 941 of the partition 550 with respect to the second groove 950 of the front rail 580 can maintain the partition wall 552 perpendicular to the front rail 580 and the partition 550 Can be prevented from being splayed. In one or more embodiments, the partition 550 may be parallel to and / or laterally parallel to the front rail 580 when the partition 550 receives a lateral force.

Front rail 580 may include openings 951 and opening 952 as illustrated in Figure 90E. The openings 951 may be configured to engage corresponding mating projections (not shown). In one example, the engagement protrusion may be a flat splicer. The corresponding engagement projections can couple one or more front rails 580 together in series. Although the front rails 580 are not perfectly aligned with each other, the connection of the openings 951 and the engagement protrusions may allow one or more front rails 580 to be connected in series. The openings 952 can be configured to receive fasteners, which fasten the front rail 580 to the shelf shelf. The front rail 580 may include any number of openings 952 suitable for securing the front rail 580 to the display shelf. Any type of fastener may be considered within the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 91A, the merchandise display system 10 may include a rear rail 810. The rear rail 810 may be located at or near the rear of the shelf. The rear rail 810 may be similar in structure to the front rail 580 and the present disclosure of the front rail 580 applies equally to the rear rail 810. [ For example, the rear rail 810 may include a recess 804, which may generally be of the shape "u ". In this embodiment, the divider 550 may be coupled to a divider block 802. The partition blocks 802 may then engage the rear rail 810. The rear rail 810, like the front rail 580, may be a second rail in the merchandise display system. The rear rail 810 may also be the only rail within the merchandise display system. As mentioned above, the front rail 580 can be positioned behind the merchandise display system and thereby serve as a rear rail 810. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of partition blocks 802 each have a cam 710 (not shown in Figure 91A) in the position indicated by the arrow in Figure 91A. This cam 720 has the same effect as the cam 720 in the partition that can rotate from the first position to the second position and engages the front rail 580. The partition blocks 802 may also include other engagement devices including the engagement devices described herein for the partition 550 which engage the rear rail 810. [ The use of the rear rail 810 can keep the rear of the partition 550 in place and prevent the product from moving to a position behind the pusher 520. [ The cam 720 or other engaging device is rotated in the opposite direction of the rear rail 810 or otherwise separated from the rear rail 810 in order to unlock the partitions 550 from the rear rail 810.

In one example, the partition 550 can be positioned in contact with the front rail 580. Groove 560 may be positioned over ridge 584 and ridge 584 may be located within groove 560. [ Grooves 560 and ridges 584 may be in contact with each other at this location. The partition 550 can also be positioned in contact with the rear rail 810. The grooves or recesses in the partition 550 can be located above the ridges or other projections of the rear rail 810 and the ridges or projections of the rear rail 810 can be positioned within the grooves or other recesses of the partition 550. [ The partition 550 can contact the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810 at the same time. An engagement device such as cam 720 on the front portion of the partition allows the partition 550 to move sideways parallel to the front and rear rails 580 and 810, Or in a direction perpendicular to the rear rail 810 (the direction between the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810). The partition block 802 may also include an engagement device (not shown), such as the cam 720 described above for the front rail 810 or other engagement devices. The engagement device on the partition block 802 is configured such that the partition 550 can move laterally parallel to the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810, 810) (the direction between the front rail 580 and the rear rail 810).

In one example, the engagement device on the front portion of the partition 550 can be moved to the second position. In the second position, the partition 550 is fixed in a direction parallel to the front rail 580 under vertical operating forces. The engagement device on the partition block 802 may also be moved to the second position. In the second position, the engagement device on the partition block 802 causes the partition 550 to be secured in a direction parallel to the rear rail 810 under vertical operating forces. The front rail 580, the partition 550 and the rear rail 810 can form a rigid tray that can be moved as a unit from one position to another. The front rail 580, the rear rail 810 and the plurality of partitions 550 can be preassembled and formed into the rigid tray at a position away from the shelf. The front rail 580, the rear rail 810 and the plurality of partitions 550 can then be moved to the shelf and secured to the shelf by one or more fasteners.

Modifications and variations of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many of the components described can be used in shops and in a variety of configurations. Thus, while the system is illustrative of the features, ideas, and principles of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the single system or upright pusher configuration shown in the drawings. It should further be understood that the present invention as disclosed and defined herein extends to any and all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features that are obvious or mentioned from the description and / or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein are illustrative of the best mode known to practice the invention and it will be possible for others skilled in the art to utilize the invention.

Claims (21)

As a merchandise display system,
A front rail forming a rail groove;
At least one partition comprising a barrier, said at least one partition further comprising a partition wall, said at least one partition defining a partition wall perpendicular to said partition wall, Wherein the partitioning floor comprises an upper surface and a lower surface for holding a product, at least one compartment; And
A cam rotatably coupled to the partition, the cam comprising a cam glide, the cam configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, wherein the cam glide is positioned below the bottom surface of the partition wall Said cam being in contact with said front rail when said cam is in position,
Said one or more partitions being movable in a lateral direction parallel to said front rail when said cam is in position and said cam glide contacts said front rail,
Said one or more partitions being secured in a lateral direction parallel to said front rail when said cam is in a second position and secured to a rail groove of said front rail,
Product display system. The method according to claim 1,
The cam including a handle for rotating the cam between a first position and a second position,
Product display system. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the cam includes one or more cam surfaces configured to engage one or more groove walls of the rail groove when the cam is in the second position.
Product display system. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the cam is in constant contact with the front rail when the cam is moved from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position,
Product display system. The method according to claim 1,
Said bottom bottom surface contacting said front rail when said cam is in a second position,
Product display system. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a pusher surface having a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a coiled end and a free end,
Wherein the coiled end is positioned behind the pusher surface and the pusher mechanism is attached to the merchandise display system only by the free end of the coil spring.
Product display system. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the barrier is configured to receive the free end of the coiled spring,
Product display system. The method according to claim 1,
Said front rail defining a ridge configured to engage a groove in said partition,
Product display system. As a merchandise display system,
Front rail; And
And at least one partition attached to the front rail and configured to separate the product into rows,
Said one or more partitions comprising a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to said front rail, a partition wall perpendicular to said partition wall and configured to hold the product, and a cam coupled to said partition,
The cam extending outwardly from the cam and extending below the partition wall and forming a cam glide in contact with the front rail, the cam being configured to move between a first position and a second position,
Said one or more partitions being movable in a lateral direction parallel to said front rail when said cam is in a first position and said cam glide contacts said front rail,
Said one or more partitions being secured in a lateral direction parallel to said front rail when said cam is in a second position,
Wherein the cam is in constant contact with the front rail when the cam is moved from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position,
Product display system. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the one or more partitions are configured to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail when the product is positioned on the partitioning floor,
Product display system. 11. The method of claim 10,
Further comprising a plurality of partitions each comprising a cam forming a cam glide, wherein when the cams for each of the plurality of partitions are in a first position and the cam glide contacts the front rail, Wherein a force on the outer partition member causes each of the plurality of partition members to move in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail,
Product display system. As a merchandise display system,
Front rail;
At least one partition comprising a barrier, a partition wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the front rail, and a partition wall perpendicular to the partition wall, wherein at least one partition is configured to be attached to the front rail, Is configured to separate the partition floor into a first portion and a second portion, each of the first portion and the second portion being configured to hold a product;
A first pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the first portion;
A second pusher mechanism configured to slide along at least a portion of the second portion; And
A cam coupled to the one or more partitions, the cam configured to form a cam glide and move between a first position and a second position,
Said one or more partitions being movable along said front rail in a lateral direction parallel to said front rail when said cam is in a first position and said cam glide contacts said front rail,
Wherein the at least one compartment is not in contact with the front rail when the cam is in the first position,
Said one or more partitions preventing movement along said front rail in a lateral direction parallel to said front rail when said cam is in a second position and said cam glide is not in contact with said front rail.
Product display system. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein each of the first and second pusher mechanisms comprises:
A pusher surface extending forwardly from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a coiled end and a free end, the coiled end being positioned rearwardly of the pusher mechanism and the first and second pusher mechanisms Are attached to the merchandise display system only by coil springs,
Product display system. 13. The method of claim 12,
Said one or more partitions forming a partitioning engagement member and said at least one front rail forming a front rail engagement member and said partition engagement member being configured to engage said front rail engagement member,
Product display system. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the partitioning engagement member defines partitioning teeth on at least one surface of the partitioning engagement member and the front rail engagement member defines front rail toothed portions on at least one surface of the front rail engagement member, The front rail tooth portion being configured to engage with the front rail tooth portion,
Product display system. As a merchandise display system,
Front rail;
At least one partition comprising a barrier, said at least one partition further comprising a partition wall, said at least one partition defining a partition wall perpendicular to said partition wall, Wherein the partitioning floor is configured to hold a product; And
A front lock coupled to the partition, the front lock rotating between a first position and a second position,
Said front lock elevating said partition upwardly from said front rail when in a first position to permit a slidable movement of said partition relative to said front rail,
Said one or more partitions being secured in position relative to said front rail when said lock is in a second position,
Product display system. 17. The method of claim 16,
The one or more partitions being movable only in a lateral direction parallel to the front rail in a plane of the shelf and the one or more partitions being parallel to the front rail in the plane of the shelf when the one or more partitions engage the front rail Fixed in all directions but not in one direction,
Product display system. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the front lock comprises a cam including a handle for rotating the cam between a first position and a second position,
Product display system. 19. The method of claim 18,
Said cam defining a cam glide that allows slidable movement of said partition relative to said front rail,
Product display system. 17. The method of claim 16,
Further comprising a pusher surface having a pusher surface, a pusher floor extending forwardly from the pusher surface, and a coil spring having a coiled end and a free end,
Wherein the coiled end is positioned behind the pusher surface and the pusher mechanism is attached to the merchandise display system only by the coil spring,
Product display system. As a merchandise display system,
Front rail;
At least one partition comprising a barrier, said at least one partition further comprising a partition wall, said at least one partition defining a partition wall perpendicular to said partition wall, Wherein the partitioning floor is configured to hold a product; And
And a front lock coupled to the front end of the partition,
The front lock being configured to be digitally accessible in front of the barrier and in front of the partition wall and when the product is on the partition floor,
Wherein the front lock is changeable between a first position and a second position,
The front lock elevating the partition upwardly from the front rail when in position and not allowing contact with the front rail to permit slidable movement of the partition relative to the front rail,
And wherein said front rail is configured to prevent slidable movement of said partition relative to said front rail when said front lock is in a second position,
Product display system.

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