Display and product management system

The present invention relates to a product display and placement apparatus for commercial use, and more particularly to a product display and placement apparatus having improved mechanisms for displaying and ejecting both wide and narrow product on shelves.

It is known that retail stores and wholesalers, such as pharmacies, grocery stores, discount stores, toy stores and the like, require a large number of racks to store and display products to customers. In the case of displaying products, it is desirable that the products on the racks are situated in front of the rack and are visible and accessible to customers. To achieve this product orientation, known devices use a pusher that pushes the products towards the front of the rack as the products are picked up from the front of the rack. Known devices also use partition panels or spacers to separate products on a rack for better placement and clearer display of products. Known commercial devices that employ pushers are found in US Patent Nos. 6,041,720 and 4,830,201, as well as in International Patent Application No. PCT / US02 / 15760, all of which are to RTC Industries, Inc.

In the past, the pusher usually had to be modified to properly push the product. For example, if the product was narrow, a narrower pushing panel was used to properly push the narrower product on the rack. Similarly, if the product was wider, the wider push panel was used to push the product towards the front of the rack. Optionally, several pushing panels were used to push the product of greater width. Changing the width of the push panel without proportionally changing the other dimensions of the push rod resulted in the pushing member getting stuck or bent and not running smoothly. Modifying the pusher from a narrower panel to a wider panel typically required store personnel to replace the pushing panels or, in the case of a narrow panel, attach a wider panel to the narrow panel. Optionally, as mentioned above, for some commercial equipments, a second pusher was added to push a wider product. Such modifications of commercial equipment were often time-consuming and required additional components that were not readily available in the vicinity. Moreover, such additional items had to be stored in the stores, which contributed to the additional operating costs of the stores. In many cases, additional elements were misplaced or lost. In addition, shop personnel, who had to make such modifications to the pusher frequently, sometimes installed these parts and components incorrectly, often resulting in a malfunction of the device.

The device according to the invention serves for displaying and arranging products and comprises a base for operative connection to a shelf, a divider for separating the displayed goods into rows which extends outward from the base, and a pusher.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that the pusher is movable in a first direction and has a face which extends horizontally in a second direction from a first position to a second position.

The face of the pusher is preferably mounted on its base.

The follower base may be operatively connected to the follower pressing element.

The biasing element of the pusher is preferably a helical spring.

The pusher can be connected to the divider.

Preferably, the base includes at least one track and the follower is mounted or operatively coupled to the track of the base and movable along the track.

The pusher base preferably includes at least one flange engaging it with the base.

Preferably, the flange of the follower base is coupled to at least one track.

The pusher face is preferably extendable in a second direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Optionally, the pusher face is extendable to elongate the pusher in the second direction and / or is itself extendable in the second direction from the first position to one of a plurality of second positions.

Preferably, the pusher face includes a plurality of latches and the pusher base includes a biasing member that operatively engages the latches to selectively advance the face.

PL 212 455 B1

The biasing member may be a U-shaped spring that has a bias protrusion operably engaged with the tabs.

The face of the pusher is preferably adjacent to the divider in the first position and remote from it in the second position.

The pusher face is able to slide transversely with respect to the track.

An advantage of the product display and placement device of the invention is that it employs a pusher having an adjustable pusher panel to accommodate both narrow and wide product without the need to add, remove or replace parts or components of the pusher or product display and placement device.

Additional features become and advantages of the invention will apparent from the following detailed description of the invention.

The subject matter of the invention is shown in preferred in the accompanying drawing, in which fig. 1 is an embodiment of the product display and arrangement device according to the present invention, fig. 2 shows another axonometric view of the product display and arrangement device of fig. 1, fig. 3 is another axonometric view of the product display and arrangement device of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a top view of an exemplary biasing member used with the product display and placement apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view of the exemplary biasing member of Figure 4.

Before discussing the details of the invention in detail, it should be noted that the application of the invention is not limited to the details of construction and arrangement of the elements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawing. The invention can be practiced in other and in various ways. Likewise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and not limitation. The terms "including and" includes and variations thereof are intended to include the following items and their equivalents, as well as additional items and their equivalents.

The invention can be embodied in various forms. With reference to figures where like numbers indicate like elements, Fig. 1 is an axonometric view of the apparatus of the present invention. The invention allows a sold product of different widths to be placed and withdrawn at various positions in the device with a simple operation.

Referring to Figs. 1-3, various views are shown of an embodiment of the product placement display device 10 of the present invention. The product display and distribution device 10 comprises a base 12 defining a track 14 on which a pusher 16 according to the present invention is slidably mounted. The product display and distribution apparatus 10 also includes a product divider 18 that extends outward from the base 12 and serves to divide and organize the product on a rack. Although the display device 10 is shown as a single base 12, pusher 16 and divider 18, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that multiples of such elements in a variety of configurations are often used in shops. Furthermore, it should be noted that the device 10 may be configured such that the base 12 is mounted as a top wall or ceiling such that the pusher 16 and the divider 18 extend downward from the base 12. Furthermore, the device may be configured such that the pusher is 16 is attached to manifold 18 and extends outward from manifold 18. The present invention is not limited to a single device 10 or the vertical pusher configuration shown in the figures, as the device 10 merely illustrates the features of the invention.

As described in more detail below, the pusher 16 of the present invention may be slidably configured to push both a narrow product and a wide product. The follower 16 implements these various configurations without the use of separate additional components by using a follower face 20 that can slide along the base and extends transversely with respect to track 14. This lateral movement of the pushing pusher face 20 is best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the pusher face 20 is in a retracted position towards the divider 18. In this position, the pusher face 20 is will correctly push a narrower product and some wider products depending on the shape, size and configuration of the product. As shown in Fig. 2, the pusher face 20 is offset from the divider 18 or, in other words, is offset transversely with respect to track 14. In this position, the pusher face 20 will be in a position of pushing a wide product for proper pushing.

A wider product depending on the shape, size and configuration of the product as the pusher face 20 will now be positioned around the center of the product. In this position of the pusher face, the pushing force of the pusher is significantly increased. As will be explained in more detail below, the follower face 20 is adjustable to extend the follower and occupy multiple positions between the retracted position and the fully extended position. Advantageously, this elongation adjustment feature allows the pusher face 20 to be selectively adjusted to locate and properly push virtually any product, among those typically sold on shelves, regardless of size, shape and orientation. Such selective adjustment allows the user to locate the pusher face 20 centered on or near the center of the product, or otherwise optimizing the force of pushing the product by the pusher.

In an exemplary embodiment, base 12 forms a substantially flat surface 22 that can be configured to be coupled or mounted to any known commercial shelf, and in any known configuration or mounting orientation. The present invention does not involve any particular type of assembly of the base 22 to a rack or an arrangement relative to a rack, and any known assembly technique may be used to install the base 12 on the rack. As shown, the base 12 has a leading edge 24, a trailing edge 26, and a track 14 extending along the base 12 from a leading edge 24 to a trailing edge. As illustrated, two lanes 14 can be used with each follower, which are separate for mounting the follower 16. It should be noted that depending on the particular application, more and less than two lanes may be used in the present invention. Track 14 defines a groove or channel 28 in base 12 that is dimensioned and shaped to receive the matching follower flange 16 described below. When viewed from the front edge 24 or rear edge 26 of base 12, exemplary groove 28 may generally form an L-shaped configuration. This configuration allows the follower flange 16 to be slidably mounted to the base 12, and also prevents the follower 16 from falling out of the track 14. It should be noted that according to the invention it is possible to mount the pusher 16 to the base 12.

On the outside of the base 12 is a product manifold 18. The divider 18 is used to separate the products for sale into rows on the shelves. In an embodiment, the divider 18 is slidably positioned in a slot 30 that extends across the base 12 from the front edge 24 to the rear edge 26 of the base 12. The divider 18 may be a removable divider that is slidably removable from the slot 30 from the front edge 24 or the rear edge of the base 12. The divider 18 may also be removable from the base 12 by lifting the divider 18 out of the slot 30. In an embodiment, the divider 18 may be integrated. with the base 12 so that it cannot slip or be lifted off the base 12.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the base 12 and the divider 18 may be modified to perform the insertion, placement, or removal of the dividers. For example, it may be desirable to invert the structure that slidably engages the divider 18 with the slot 30 and still achieve sliding release of the divider 18. In other words, it may be desirable to locate the seat at the end of the divider 18 that slidably engages with the guide element located in the base 12. This design still allows the manifolds to be slid in and out of the base 12. As another embodiment, it should be understood that the manifold 18 may be integral with the base 12 or snap fit onto the base 12 such that the manifold 18 cannot be easily removed. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the divider 18 can have any shape, profile or contour that improves the stacking and removal of the product from the rack.

It is contemplated that the pusher 16 may be attached to the divider in the same manner and using the same techniques as described above for attaching the pusher 16 to the base 12, or by any known mounting technique, such as that described in the US Patent No. 4,830,201, incorporated herein by reference. In this configuration, the follower 16 will slide across the manifold 18 and between the front of the manifold 18 and the rear of the manifold 18. A pushing face 20 extends outward from the manifold 18, and its range can vary from a narrow product push configuration to a push configuration. wider product as described herein.

As mentioned previously, the pusher 16 of the invention is capable of pushing a narrow product and is slideable to multiple positions for pushing.

PL 212 455 B1 also of a wider product. The follower 16s these numerous configurations and positions by locating the follower face 20 that can slide transversely with respect to track 14 in one of a plurality of positions.

The pusher face 20, also known as a push paddle, may for example extend outward from the base 12. The pusher face 20 may form a substantially flat pusher face 32 or other shape suitable for pushing specific product packages, eg, cylindrical products. The pusher face 20 is furthermore thick enough to be able to push a wider and heavier product without being excessively deflected. The pusher face 20 may be made of any known material that is suitable for pushing the product, for example plastic.

The pusher face 20 is coupled to the track 14 via a support base 34 as shown in Fig. 3. The pusher face 20 is slidably mounted on the support plate 34 along a support track 36 (Figures 1 and 3) and a support track 38 (Fig. 3). 1 and 2), both of which form a point connection to the pusher face and also allow a substantially horizontal sliding of the pusher face 20. The pusher face 20 is mounted on the support base 34 at connection points so as to form a reliable connection between the pusher face 20 and the support base 34. The skilled person will appreciate that other techniques can also be used to attach the pusher face 20 to the support base 34, and the support tracks 36, 38 are only illustrative of an exemplary embodiment.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3-5, a plurality of tabs 40 are provided along the rear side 33 of the pusher face 20 which engage a pivot lip 42 mounted on support base 34. The tilt 42 and tabs 40 allow for the extension of the pusher 16 to move. face 20 and serve to hold it in the desired position relative to support base 34 and hence to tracks 14. In other words, as the pusher face 20 moves along the support tracks 36, 38 of the support base 34, the deflectable protrusion 42 moves across the plurality of latches 40, dropping and exiting the plurality of latches 40 repeatedly until the pusher face 20 reaches the desired position. . Upon entering the desired position, deflectable tab 42 engages in detent 40 and holds the pusher face 20 in that position.

As shown in Figs. 4-5, deflection lip 42 is part of a U-shaped bias member or spring 44, which biasing member is mounted on support base 34. U-shaped spring 44 has a bias 42 at its end 46, and at the end 48, a mounting flange 50, used to attach the U-shaped spring 44 to the support base 34. When installed, the U-shaped spring 44 is the source of a biasing force to urge deflection lip 42 onto tabs 40. As shown, deflect tab 42 has a shape that conforms to the shape of tabs 40 to form a properly mated engagement of deflection tab 42 with tabs. 40.

The pusher face 20 is slidably mounted on the support base 34 as shown above to slide transversely with respect to the tracks 14. Adjusting the position of the pusher face 20 allows the user to extend it from the retracted position shown in Figure 1 to one of several positions. extended positions as shown in Fig. 2, preferably in a position that provides for the positioning of the pusher face 20 in the center of the product (or any other desired location) in order to properly push the product. Such selective adjustment of the position of the pusher face 20 in the center of the product (or any other desired location) greatly increases the force of the pusher face 20 on the product without the user having to change the pusher face, use an additional track , widen the space between the tracks 14 or adding a second follower or other components.

As already stated, the pusher face 20 will be held in the desired position by the pivot 42 and tabs 40. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations of the described technique for maintaining the pusher face 20 in any laterally extended position are possible, including but not limited to, techniques using pins, clips, fasteners, springs, clamps, or other fastening and joining techniques known in the art. Additionally, it is contemplated that the present invention may be practiced withouting the retention techniques described herein. Instead, the pusher face may be slidable using any known technique and held in place solely by friction.

PL 212 455 B1

Moreover, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques are also possible for transversely extending the pusher face for a wide product push configuration, including the use of other track configurations 36.38, protrusion and groove techniques, and the like. Additionally, it is recognized that the pusher face 20 may include an extension thereof that extends laterally outward therefrom to provide a wider pushing surface. The extender can be attached to the pusher face using any technique described herein.

The support base 34 forms outwardly projecting flanges 52 used to slideably mount and attach the support base 34 to one or more tracks 14. The support base 34 is of sufficient width and depth to give the face 20 of the support base to properly push the wider and often heavier on the rack without undesirable bending of the flanges 52 in the tracks. Likewise, exemplary outwardly extending flanges are spaced on support base 34 and therefore spaced on tracks 14 to provide a support base that prevents the pusher face 20 from flexing or tilting as it pushes against the wider. and often a heavier product as well. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the number, orientation, and spacing of the collars 52 will vary depending upon the desired application and the size of the product being pushed. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited in the number, position and spacing of the collars 52 illustrated in the illustrated embodiment.

The support base 34 also includes a base extension 35 which provides a support structure for the mounted pusher face 20. Base extension 35 extends outwardly from support base 34 and across the rear side of pusher face 20 and along support ribs 37. Base extension 35 supports the pusher face 20 in the retracted position or any of its extended positions. Base extension 35 may be integral with support base 34 or may be attached to support base 34 using known fastening techniques.

The support base 34 also serves to receive at least one biasing element 60 used to press the pusher face 20 against the front of the shelf. The biasing member 60 can be any biasing member including, but not limited to, a flat helical spring commonly used in pushing devices. The present invention may use one or more biasing elements 60 to bias the follower face 20, depending on the desired application. The biasing member 60 may be attached to the follower 16 and base 12 by any known fastening technique. In an embodiment, one end of the biasing member 60 attaches to the base 12 near the front edge 24 of the base 12, and the opposite end of the biasing member 60, which is shown as a helical end, is positioned downstream of the pusher 16 to urge the pusher face 20 toward the front portion. shelving, as known in the art.

Other configurations of the biasing member 60 are possible in accordance with the present invention. In other words, the stationary end of the biasing member 60 may be attached to the follower 16 and the other helical end may be operatively attached to the base of the structure.

In addition, other techniques for attaching the biasing member 60 to the base 12, follower 16, or other components may be used in the present invention, including a unique assembly technique shown and described in published International Patent Application No. PCT / IB03 / 01088 is RTC Industries. , Inc. and the description herein appended by reference. In this mounting technique, the end of the bias is V-shaped and has a predetermined resilience of a spring such that under an applied load, the V-shaped end compresses and returns to its original shape when the applied load is removed. During installation, the V-shaped end will be pressed into the channel formed in the base and will compress as the end passes into the channel. Upon entering the channel, the V-shaped tip releases and snaps inside the channel, thereby engaging the biasing member with the base. In order to release the biasing member from the channel, it is only necessary to press on the V-shaped end until it passes back through the channel. The pressing element can then be lifted upwards and out of the channel. For more detailed information on this unique assembly technique, reference is made to published application PCT / IB03 / 01088.